Why Do European States Have Alliances

Prior to World War I, European countries were making alliances amongst each other for protection. These alliances were intentionally made with the hope and purpose to bring peace and balance of power in Europe. Although, alliances at first were seen as a way to prevent in Europe, soon after they became the reason for war. The militarism of countries, the nationalism along with imperialism, and the formation of too many alliances led to the build of pressure between nations and thus result in war.

During the 1890s Germany began its plan of militarism meaning the build up of a bigger, stronger army as well as a navy. Other countries which saw Germany becoming a threat joined in the process of militarism. Britain, as a response to Germany’s naval power growth, started to build bigger ships to try to catch up with Germany. France, on the other hand, increased its army’s size. In addition, all countries worked towards having the most advanced technology in Europe. As militarism spread all throughout Europe, alliances with great military like Germany and Austria-Hungary became
Although the purpose of alliances was to balance out power and bring peace, all nations desired the strongest military and biggest advances in technology. This ambition to want to become the greatest power in Europe was what caused alliances to be less effective. Since there could only be one country at the top, all nations fought for that position, even allies.
Furthermore, imperialism happened years before but the spirit still remained in the people, European countries wanted all the land they could possibly get. Although a nation did not mind their allies getting big, enemy countries did, and responded with countergrowth in their country. As countries were constantly growing uncontrollably, tensions between nations and war seemed to never end and get bigger each