WWI: Imperialism

There were four major contents which contributed to the outcome of World War 1, apart from nationalism, alliances and militarism, imperialism was the most outstanding. It is seen as the most vital factor of WW1 because through it's strengths and weakness, it effectively leaded to the other 3 causes, which resulted in the war.

Imperialism was formed during the creation of industries and scientific discoveries, and was made an issue before global rivalries had occurred. Imperialism, historically is defined as the policy of forcefully extending a nation’s authority by territorial gain possible with the use of establishing economic and political superiority over other nations. At the start of industrialization, imperialism began to take it's affect, abruptly becoming more and more obvious in European countries such as Britain, France and Germany. As scientific knowledge grew, so did the lust for foreign lands which led to the tension in European countries, hence afterwards leading to WW1. Europe later on focused their economic growth in Africa, where Germany and Britain were the two competitive countries looking to own land in both Africa. There were many feudal battles based upon their arguments, and since they could not be resolved, the war was yet to come. A contributing factor to this particular dispute is also militarism, which clarifies that imperialism was not the only cause of the war, but simply the root.

While two successful military countries were arguing over ground, Nationalism was being established in Europe - citizens were striving to success their country's monarchy and were eager to support the Royal family. After the creation of nationalism, welcomes another imperialistic event: the assassination of Austr0-Hungarian archduke Franz Ferdinand. A Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip was the assassinator of the heir. Austria-Hungary, who were evidently a stronger country than Serbia, thus created the Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum, meaning that Serbia now had to live under Austro-Hungarian rule. At the time this was being decided, Austria-Hungary was unaware of the joint alliance between Serbia and Russia. This consequently caused a chain reaction between European countries, meaning that Russia then became involved in the Austro-Hungarian problem with Serbia, and then Austria-Hungary, feeling weak, included their ally, Germany which claimed that the only solution would be war. Militarism is also involved in this example of imperialism, since the armies of four countries were involved.

An additional event of imperialism was in 1903 the Berlin-Baghdad railway was at the point of being built, easily connecting Berlin to Baghdad where Germany had wanted territory and control of ports in order to establish better trade routes. With such manipulations over Baghdad, Germany would've been the peak of the trading powers, therefore angering Britain. Germany was constantly angering both Britain and Russia, who had control over some trade ports in Baghdad.

Subsequently, imperialism was the birth of all conflicts and tensions found between European countries which led to the final outcome of World War 1, which would not be ceased because imperialism itself seemed to be unstoppable. Countries were at competition with each other and refused to let go of land, territories, and trade. Alternative episodes occurred which created more density while countries were attempting to protect their nation and economy. There is enough factual proof to support one's opinion of imperialism being the greater cause, because the 3 factors were associated after imperialism existed.