How Did Imperialism Cause Ww1

World War 1 caused millions of deaths in Europe, killing nearly an entire generation of Europeans. It ended the reigning empires in Germany, Austria Hungary and Russia. It also caused Russia to turn communism and help it become a totalitarian state. As the 19th century came to be, tensions in Europe began to rise. Though many things seemed to be seen as what started the war; Imperialism and nationalism were the main cause WWI.

Imperialism could be seen as a good cause of WWI because it created pressure and controversy between nations. Ideally imperialism is apart of nationalism itself, it helps what fuels the fire of nationalism and pushes countries to be greater within themselves. In Europe clashes between nations were harsh and many nations wanted to be the leader in Europe. Nationalism caused great tension in Europe between the nations because of the competitiveness of being the best country. Imperialism also helped cause WWI, because of the crisis in the Balkan Peninsula. When Austria- Hungary imperialized Bosnia, they took it over because of their fear of the growth in the Balkan Peninsula. The
In Europe economic tension between nations was at an all time high and created a lot of competition. When the Treaty of Versailles was created, the “war-guilt” clause put the sole responsibility of the war on Germany. It also made Germany pay for all the damage caused by the war to the other nations. Many nations were inspired by nationalistic dignity to join the war. France had joined the war because they wanted to obtain back the territory in Alsace-Lorraine. Many nations like Italy, Japan, and China joined for this reason, to gain back all of the territories that they had lost. Therefore, nationalism fueled many nations into the war because it created competition and a hope for gaining