What Role Did Imperialism Play In The First World War

It is often imperative, in the course of human history, to understand that actions–both big and small–have consequences. Considering the events of the First World War, it is my belief that imperialism has had a large role in the start of the war because of how it interferes with politics, the economy, and the expansion of territory. The First World War took place from 1914 until 1919, ending with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. It took place because people from a Serbian terrorist group called the Black Hand assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand. The conflict was a result of the struggle for territory and power. Serbia’s independence was a perceived threat to Austria-Hungary. The United States joined the war in 1917, about a year
Another example of this being true is how the English settler’s discovery of the “new world” affected how the Native Americans in the area were treated by the colonialists. “Imperialist policy had to be considered irrational if viewed from the vantage point of the nation as a whole: the economic benefits derived were far less than the costs of wars and armaments” (Nowell). This quote further serves as a reminder that the effects of imperialism on the economy of the lesser countries have only influenced it to serve as an extra, lesser material source for the colonizers. Because of Austria-Hungary’s desire for economic influence, this led to groups such as the Black Hand being formed in resistance. Austria-Hungary's imperialist influence on Serbia led to their revolt, and eventually, the assassination of Francis Ferdinand. To quote Rosa Luxemburg, “Naturally, Austrian imperialism in Serbia and Albania was primarily hunting for fresh labour.” It is shown again how the bigger countries’ influence on the smaller led to conflict.In defense of the Austro-Hungarian conquest for power, groups that took on terrorist actions were