What caused WW1
What factors were involved in starting the Great War? The time period leading up to World War I was the age of imperialism, a time when many countries in Western Europe were building up their empires throughout the world. They would oftentimes get into "disagreements" amongst themselves over who was to control certain areas of the world. The countries were jealous, suspicious and did not trust each other....... war was inevitable! World War I had roots in the following things:
•• Alliance System: All the countries over there had been busy making treaties about non-aggression pacts, starting in 1879. It was thought the alliances would promote peace. Each country would be protected by others in case of war, making it foolish for one country to wage war on another. No one wanted to be invaded by Russia, stop Italy from attacking Austria-Hungary and so on! No one trusted anyone else over there! They each wanted to make sure that they would be able to guide the military in the event of a war - plans where nothing would be left to chance. It helped start the war, as when you got into a squabble with one country, you ended up squabbling with at least one or two more.
••Imperialism: Another cause was that European nations ruled smaller countries, called colonies, and competed with each other to amass more colonies. Gathering colonies became known as Imperialism. Both France and Britain had many colonies in Africa and Asia. Now Germany and Italy decided they wanted a colonial empire too. They were jealous of the countries that had other places where they could gather raw materials and cheap labor.
••Nationalism: Each country felt that their country was the best! They wanted their nation to be above all others and placed primary emphasis on promoting their culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations.
•• The Arms Race and History of it: • Germany wanted to go head to head with Britain as the Leader of the seas. • In 1900 the Germany decided to
•• Alliance System: All the countries over there had been busy making treaties about non-aggression pacts, starting in 1879. It was thought the alliances would promote peace. Each country would be protected by others in case of war, making it foolish for one country to wage war on another. No one wanted to be invaded by Russia, stop Italy from attacking Austria-Hungary and so on! No one trusted anyone else over there! They each wanted to make sure that they would be able to guide the military in the event of a war - plans where nothing would be left to chance. It helped start the war, as when you got into a squabble with one country, you ended up squabbling with at least one or two more.
••Imperialism: Another cause was that European nations ruled smaller countries, called colonies, and competed with each other to amass more colonies. Gathering colonies became known as Imperialism. Both France and Britain had many colonies in Africa and Asia. Now Germany and Italy decided they wanted a colonial empire too. They were jealous of the countries that had other places where they could gather raw materials and cheap labor.
••Nationalism: Each country felt that their country was the best! They wanted their nation to be above all others and placed primary emphasis on promoting their culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations.
•• The Arms Race and History of it: • Germany wanted to go head to head with Britain as the Leader of the seas. • In 1900 the Germany decided to