Long Term Causes Of World War 1 Essay
From 1864 to 1914 and the beginning of World War 1 many long term factors arose. These factors included the rivalry between Germany and Great Britain, the alliance system which developed due to these rivalries and Militarism. Over the course of fifty years these factors developed and lead to the creation of conflict between the great powers and in turn lead to the beginning of World war 1.
In 1870 Britain and Germany were on good terms due to their previous alliance against France in the early 1800’s. Although Britain was the greatest industrial power in the world, by the 1900’s Germany had begun to overtake them. Both governments were aware of this industrial race and continued to enhance their positions further. Great Britain also had the greatest empire with around fifty colonies and a population of over 390 million. These colonies were economically vital to Britain, providing investment opportunities, Militarily providing manpower and politically giving Britain power status. Germanys empire, which begun in 1870 was insignificant compared to Britain's with only 10 colonies, totalling a population of fifteen million leading the German government to become envious of Britain. As well as an empire, Britain's navy was the strongest and largest in the world and were used to defend …show more content…
The rivalries lead to the great powers becoming fearful of each other and lead to the search for allies. These alliances failed to reduce this fear but rather increased it. Two alliances were formed: Russia, France and Great Britain created the Triple Entente and Germany, Austrian-Hungarian empire and later Italy formed the Triple alliance.The agreements made between allies were extremely vague and each nation had difficulty predicting whether or not their allies would stand by
In 1870 Britain and Germany were on good terms due to their previous alliance against France in the early 1800’s. Although Britain was the greatest industrial power in the world, by the 1900’s Germany had begun to overtake them. Both governments were aware of this industrial race and continued to enhance their positions further. Great Britain also had the greatest empire with around fifty colonies and a population of over 390 million. These colonies were economically vital to Britain, providing investment opportunities, Militarily providing manpower and politically giving Britain power status. Germanys empire, which begun in 1870 was insignificant compared to Britain's with only 10 colonies, totalling a population of fifteen million leading the German government to become envious of Britain. As well as an empire, Britain's navy was the strongest and largest in the world and were used to defend …show more content…
The rivalries lead to the great powers becoming fearful of each other and lead to the search for allies. These alliances failed to reduce this fear but rather increased it. Two alliances were formed: Russia, France and Great Britain created the Triple Entente and Germany, Austrian-Hungarian empire and later Italy formed the Triple alliance.The agreements made between allies were extremely vague and each nation had difficulty predicting whether or not their allies would stand by