Focus on the four major long-term causes: Imperialism, Nationalism, Militarism, and Alliances.
All causes are interconnected and had simultaneous impacts.
Approach: Evaluate which factor had a greater influence.
Imperial Rivalries
19th Century Imperialism: Western European countries (Britain, France, Germany) expanding empires for resources, markets, and strategic military locations.
Industrial Revolution created a need for resources.
Colonies provided strategic military locations and manpower.
National pride associated with having a large empire.
Moroccan Crises: Highlighted tensions between European powers.
France wanted control of Morocco; Germany opposed, supporting Moroccan independence.
Led to increased tensions between France and Germany.
Nationalism
Definition: Ideology promoting national pride and the right to self-determination.
Existing nations (e.g., Britain, France, Germany) vs. ethnic groups seeking independence.
Examples:
Pan-Slavism: Russian support for Slavic unity.
French desire to regain Alsace-Lorraine.
Social Darwinism: Justification for national dominance.
Significance: War seen as a method to demonstrate national power.
Militarism
Definition: Emphasis on military strength as a measure of national value.
Expansion of military sizes and capabilities.
Cultural values promoting military virtues (e.g., Boy Scouts).
Compulsory military service.
Technological Advancements:
Submarines, airplanes, new battleships, machine guns.
Mass production of weapons due to industrialization.
War Planning
Germany's Schlieffen Plan: Attack plan against France.
France's Plan 17: Assault into Germany.
Alliances
Definition: Defensive agreements between nations.
Dual Alliance (1879): Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Triple Alliance: Addition of Italy.
Dual Entente (1894): Agreement between France and Russia.
Triple Entente: France, Russia, and Britain agree to support each other.
Conclusion
Understanding these four factors is crucial for analyzing the origins of World War I.
Evaluate and argue which factor had the most significant impact based on historical evidence.