| Author | Message | ||
     modelk89 sara anne (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted From: 205.155.189.100 Rating: |
as much as i hate wars, its a natural human habit and without it the world would be overpopulated and the consciences of men wouldn't be burdened with the guilt they need to continue doing the right thing...war sounds like it is a bad thing, and sure it is--i mean, i'm against it for many reasons, but world war I was one war that had to be fought...the only way for you to grow and learn is to be brought down, and WWI was important in the worlds fall...w/out it, people would be more power hungry and greedy than they are today...so, as bad as war seems, its actually beneficial to us physically and mentally, because it makes us really appreciate and value the life we are given, and it keeps our race within a reasonable population *though the physical up-side of war is not as good an up-side as the mental up-side...sorry if i've just been blabbering...its what i do worst/best...write me if you have any questions or wanna talk about my views on war... modelk89@gmail.com ... but tell me in the subject of the letter or else i'll delete you...  }}} | ||
| Jocrox (jocrox) New member Username: jocrox Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 61.92.126.32 Rating: |
nationalism | ||
| ctk ( - 202.64.92.195) Rating: |
It is good to see all contributed to this discussion. As I mentioned in the lesson, your points need further elaboration and better organization though I know this is a brief start. You may also find that your understanding on "Extreme nationalism" is somewhat piecemeal (from lower form textbook.) Thus you will refine and add more ingredients to your standpoint while moving on. Also beware of grammar. We will proceed with this thread in Online History forum. | ||
| Wong Ho Ching (Ah_ching) Rating: |
Most people will think that nationalism was the main cause of the broke out outbreak of World War One. However, I will consider the alliance system was the strongest force which drove all the European powers into the disastrous fighting. When we trace back the immediate cause of the broke out of World War One, we can find that what caused a four-year war was a relative small scale event, that is, the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand by a Serbian student. It happened in Bosnia, a tiny nation, and was really not as large in scale as the Bloody Sunday Incident which led to the occurrence of 1905 Revolution of Russia. Therefore, what made the powers so eager to spend their resources and time into the trouble? Clearly, they must be bound by some invisible ropes, the signing of alliances in two camps respectively. I will take two alliances as example to illustrate my stance point. After the assassination, Austria was in high anger, she demanded some rather radical demands in order to punish the Serbian as well as gaining compensation. For instance, Austria demanded the right for Austrian police to enter Serbia for investigation. Austria was so offensive that she wouldn¡¦t act in normal occasion. The real reason was that she gained the support from Germany through the Dual Alliance. The alliance stated that Germany would help Austria if the latter was attacked by Russia or the nations supported by Russia. As a result Germany had to stand beside Austria with unconditional support. Germany could have left her neighbour alone to gain back the Russian friendship, however, she didn¡¦t, as she was bound by the treaty.More than that as you study more. Another example was the Franco Russian Alliance. The alliance signed in 1895 stated that France would help Russia if the latter was attacked by Germany or Austria supported by Germany. This eventually pull France and even in latter, Britain to join the fighting. Conservatively speaking, the war could have the involvement of only two power, the Russians and the Germans. However, the Franco Russian Alliance in reality ¡¥force¡¦ more powers into the WWI. If France had more to lose, would she have joined the war merely to fulfil the obligation? Some may argue that nationalism was the fundamental reason for the broke out of the war. Though they may say that nationalism itself initiated other turmoil like imperialism. But we mustn¡¦t forget that the colonies rivalry How was this related to nationalism? was not as far reaching as the others have thought. There was evidence showing that powers did tried and successfully solved the problems caused by imperialism. In 1904, France and Britain reached concession that both respect their rights in Morocco and Egypt respectively. In addition, their extreme nationalism spirit Not clear could be satisfied by the scramble of colonies over the world, therefore that nationalism was the main cause of WWI was not convincing enough. In To conclude, although the alliances were said to be defensive, once they were exposed, this obviously divided Europe into two camps, worsening the adverse atmosphere. As they were bound by the alliances, once their friends went into war would inevitably pull them into the pool and each power would fight against too. The assassination has justified this and as a result I think the alliance system was the main reasons causing the local fighting to become the World War One. You haven't explicitly shown how A.S. directly caused the outbreak of war in early August and so it's most important. More explanation on nationalism. Anyway you tried making a good discussion. | ||
| Ku Wai Ying ( - 61.10.106.23) Rating: |
There were many reasons caused to the outbreak of the First World War. The political, economic and social situation change in European countries in the 19th century, the unification of Italy and Germany, the industrialization, the armament race, alliance system, nationalism,etc. It is difficult to determine the main cause of the war since it was very complicated and there were many causes. In my opinion, the most important cause of the WWI is the extreme nationalism. In 19th century, the though of nationalism rise up and became more and more popular in Europe. This idea of the desire for unity and independence among subject peoples, of the same race and culture, against any domination of another power or nation. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the nature of the nationalism became more narrow, dangerous and extreme kind of patriotism due to the new political system in Europe. People of the same nation would not only like to unify and govern themselves, but they would also like to expand their national fame, they would like to compete with other nations in difference aspect for example military rivalry and colonial rivalry for the position of the best nation in the world. The nation is much more important than their personal interests under the extreme nationalism. People have to take any action to promote their national interests, and they seen the success in the rivalries as the glory. Due to the aim of promoting the national interests from difference nations that influence by the extreme nationalism, rivalries rise up, and conflicts of interests were then increased, these conflicts were always affect the relationship among the nations, and war would likely occurred in any time and any place. The extreme nationalism also resulted the armament race since the nation have to secure their gain and position in the world, they have to protect their colonies, their industries and they have to defend from the others¡¦ attack. No nation would dominate in Europe, because once the one nation rise up, the others would catch up. However, that little conflicts and rivalries would only lead to the war between two or three countries, but that would not involve so many countries and lead to the First World War. Under the nationalism, rivalry rise and conflicts occurred, to protect their gain and defend other strong nation, some of them desired to form alliances. These alliances were aimed to co-operate whenever one of them have trouble. Because of this agreement, whenever there was war in one of the allied nation, the others have to seek help, and finally, once a war occurred, it would involve many countries. As so many countries involved, world war was named. | ||
| Chan Wing Yi claire ( - 203.218.165.156) Rating: |
The causes of the First World War were complicated. There were many factors contributed to the war, like the growth of colonialism, nationalism, militarism, alliance system, etc. From my point of view, nationalism account for a largest extend of the cause of the First World War. It first arose from national unification or independence, but towards the end of the 19 century, it took a more aggressive form and included an element of expansionism and imperialism. This extreme ideology could bring one nation into conflict with the others as different nation had different interests,besides it was also one of the preliminary factor of the war. Since without conflicts, there would be no alliance. Without alliance, there would be no armament race between them. Otherwise, war broke out when disputes intensified to a point that could not be ceased. After 1870, different countries in Europe had different nationalist aspirations. To the French, nationalism meant revenge against Germany as she had suffered a great humiliation in the Franco- Prussian War. To Germany, nationalism meant Pan-Germanism which called for the unity of all Germans. To Russia, nationalism meant Pan- Slavism which called for the unity of all the Slavic people in the Ottoman and Austrian Empires. To the Serbs, nationalism meant the creation of a Greater Serbia. It seemed that the interest of these countries were so complicted and intersecting. Therefore, it is not hard to envisage that these different nationalist aspirations would sooner or later clash with each other, creating great upheavels in Europe. Driven by the aggressive policy of Germany, others countries would not stay calm. Germanyhad formed the Dual alliance and later the Triple Alliance. This stimulated fear and suspicion among the other powers in Europe. To defend their own interests, others countries tried to form similar alliances, the Triple Entente, in order to confront with each other. It seemed that there would not been a persistent confrontation between the two camps as one would like to show his superiority to the other. As a result , jealousy and suspicion would accumlate. In the early 19 centery, Britain had the greatest navy power in Europe. Germany as a Britain enemy would not stand with this that kaiser had double the German battle fleet and followed Britain to build her first dresdnought. The disputes of them was so apparent that they would not give in unless one of them was defeated in the physical rival. This means that war was inevitable. To conclude, i can call nationalism is the most important fator that caused the First World War. Since it was the perliminary fator that contributed to the later disputes. | ||
| Chow Hiu Tung (Little_dawn) Rating: |
In my opinion, the alliance system was the most important one among the causes of the First World War. It was originated from Bismarck, who was fear of France allying with other European states for the reason of taking revenge on Germany. In the Franco-Prussian War, 1970-1, France was defeated by Germany and lost Alsace and Lorraine. She had never given up the hope of recovering them. This worried the German Chancellor, Bismarck. To prevent France from recovering the lost land, he started to sign alliances with other European states in order to keep France isolated. This attempt to isolate France set off a system of diplomatic groupings in Europe. By 1907, the major European powers were divided into two opposing camps-the Triple Alliance, including Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, and the Triple Entente, including Britain, France and Russia. Originally, Bismarck aimed at peace but this balance of power achieved through the alliance system rested on selfish national interests. It was very dangerous and risky that the peace of Europe relied on this new balance of power among the European states. Firstly, it was because with the backup of their allies, the European countries became less willing to settle their disputes by peaceful methods. They were not afraid of wars, as they deeply believed that their allies would provide military support in case of a war with the opposite side. In 1914, the assassination of the heir to the Dual Monarchy in Sarajevo made Austria angry. Wanted to crush Serbia in a war, Austria approached Germany, her ally, for support. If Germany did not give a ¡§blank cheque¡¨ to Austria, Austria would not be confident in declaring war on Serbia. The First World War might not start. Secondly, the alliance system created an explosive situation that it would turn a localized conflict into a general war. As all the European powers had committed themselves into either the Triple Alliance or the Triple Entente, whenever a war started between any two of the countries, the war would probably involve all the other members of the two groups. This was why when a war between Austria and Serbia broke out, the war gradually became a world war. Without the existence of the alliance system, this war certainly would not spread throughout the world. In addition, the formation of the alliance system also built up tensions among the European powers. They were all suspicious of each other. France looked upon the Triple Alliance as an attempt to stop her from getting back Alsace-Lorraine. On the other hand, Germany regarded the Triple Entente as an obstacle to her colonial and commercial expansion. As a result, France and Germany, also the two opposing groups, were on bad terms with one another. These tensions contributed to the outbreak and the development of the First World War a lot. In all, the alliance system made the European powers not willing to settle quarrels by peaceful ways, built up suspicion among them, and lastly brought a small dispute into the First World War. Therefore, it was the most important cause for the outbreak of the First World War. | ||
| Choy Pui Yiu ( - 218.102.151.113) Rating: |
There were several factors leading to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Those factors can be dated back to the last few decades of the 19th century. In my opinion, the most important factor causing the WWI was the rise of extreme nationalism. In 19th century, nationalism referred to a desire for unity and independence among the subject peoples, of the same race and culture, against the domination of another power. However, it became an extreme and aggressive emotion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries because of the new political circumstance changing the nature of nationalism. Therefore, the Powers were willing to strengthen themselves at all costs, regardless of its effects on others. These brought about the international disputes leading to WWI. In the early 20th century, nationalist feeling grew strong that the powers tried to achieve their own nationalist aims. For instance, the increase tension between France and Germany. On one hand, France was humiliated by the defeat by Germany in 1817 led to a strong desire for revenge. France was eager to recover her lost prestige and territory, Alsace-Lorraine. As a result, France wanted to assert her dominance over Germany in revenge. On the other hand, Germany was determined to keep France weak and isolated. She tried her best to stop France from recovering Alsace-Lorraine and prevent her from gaining allies. Impressed by the rapid growth of German power, some extreme nationalists believed that Germany was destined to dominate Europe. They put forward the idea of Pan-Germanism which called for unity among all German peoples including those in Germany, Austria-Hungary and other parts of Europe. This encouraged the adoption of an aggressive foreign policy. The increase tension among the powers, like France and Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia, intensified the international disputes over colonies, economic and diplomatic rivalries in Europe. Furthermore, nationalism can say to be the producer of other factors leading to the war. Examples can be found by the rise of imperialism and economic rivalry. Imperialism is the policy of gaining political and economic control over other countries. Control may take the form of concessions, protectorates or annexations. To grant concessions means to give economic rights and privileges to foreign powers. When a foreign power annexes a territory, it has complete control over it. Between 1817 and 1914, colonial rivalry, which was linked with economic rivalry, caused considerable tension among the European alliances and the armament race during this period. In short, the most important cause of WWI was the rise of extreme nationalism as it created other factors which contribute to the outbreak of the war. | ||
| wong kei cheong, zero Rating: N/A |
The most important cause of the first world war, in my mind, was the alliance systems which had divided Europe into two opposing camps¡XTriple Entente and Triple Alliance. as such systems joined the nations together. This join had two harmful effect: first, the alliance increased nation¡¦s strength, so that countries might be encouraged to declare war on enemies by the support of allies, that¡¦s why germany had been too brave to verus Britain, France and Russia at the nearly same period for the colonies since 1870s. secondly, the alliance system joined the nations together. When a war was started between two nations was always involved other nations. It¡¦s the reason why the Sarajevo assassination, a rivalries between Austria-Hungary and Bosnia, expanded into a warfare over the world. Some may claims that there were other factors important than the alliance systems in causing the first world war, maybe were the extreme nationalism, maybe imperialism or maybe the armaments race. I could partly agreed they points of view. Some say the nationalism was the most important cause, assuch nationalism encouraged those European powers to strengthen their own positions in Europe and the world with any cost, and war was chosen by them. In fact, nationalism exists since the anicient time, caused of different culture, every nations tried their best to strength their position in the world. Even nowadays, every nations are doing so, not on military way, but the econmics and technology. There have many means for them to build up and to competitive. So, it¡¦s not an excuse for them to use military to strength oneself. Some may say the imperialism was the main cause, as it increased the tension among nations. But I said before, every nations tried to strength their position on the world by every means. Tension always exists. Therefore, imperialism was just an aspect for the nations to compete with each other. It could not explain why the first world war happened in 1914, as tensions have been existed since nation. Some may say the armament race was the main causes . it provided a large amount of weapons to the nations to fight with others. In fact, military force is the main support to last a war. This is always true. But it just can explain why a war, but not a world war, to happen. According to the fact that, the armament race only occurred in Europe. Then why the first world war had involved the African and asian countries also? In short, the first would war involved the nearly all the nations in the world only by a large linkage within the nations. Alliance systems was the systems to build up such a large linkage, which divided the world into two camps. So, it was the main cause to the first world war. | ||
| ckchow731 ( - 61.15.137.251) Rating: N/A |
Answer: In my opinion,the most important cause of the WWI was the Balkan Question. As the downfall of Ottoman Empire made the Balkan Peninsular becme a interesting cake for the Powers.The Powers has different interests within the Peninsular and they competed against each other for their own interests.As a result, the competetion among themselves had driven them into conflict. For example, Russia was interested in creating a great Slavic Empire in the Peninsular, so she hoped to see the break up of the Ottoman Empire. However, Austria didn't want to see the break up of the Ottoman Empire because she wanted to uphold her multi-racial empire,and to prevent the minior groups,that in the Austrian Empire, form uprising. As a result, these two countries came into conflict. In 1878, Russia defeated Turkish and signed the San Stefano Treaty.It alarmed Austria and Britain ,as a reuslt these two powers joined together and threatened war to Russia. Although their disputes had been settled down by the help of Bismarck, those actions deepened misunderstanding and distrust among the Powers.From the above example,we can see that how the Balkan Question affected the relationship among the Powers. On the other hand, as all the powers wanted to increase their influences in the European continent,they would use any kinds of method to achieve their aim. For example, the formed alliance to support themselves. The Balkan Question ,beside worsen the power's relationship,tightened the relation of the powers,for instance Germany and Austria. Therefore,the Balkan Question accelerate the formation of alliance system. In addition, the Balkan Question also gave rise to the extreme nationalism. The Bosnian Crisis created a strong anti-Austrian feeling ffor the Slavs in the bosnian-Herzegovina. In rreturn, they might form secret society to show ttheir feeling, for example the Black Hand,which ddirectly led to the WWI. Of cause,the Balkan question not only the underlying cause to the WWI, the immediate cause, the Assatsination of Ferhinand, was still happened in the peninsular.That's why I think the Balkan Question was the most important cause to the WWI | ||
| Ko Yee ManAlanis ( - 218.102.23.115) Rating: N/A |
The First World War (1914-1919), which was the first world-scale disastrous war,was brought about by a number of factors such as the extreme nationalism, imperialism, alliance system and militarism. Among all the possible factors leading to the war, I think that militarism was the most important causes. Militarism is a belief to use military force to settle disputes and to show national prestige ,and is characterized by a significant control of militarist in the civil government and increase in military expenditure. It intensified the war mood among powers and speeded up arms race, making the chance to settle crises in peaceful means "impossible"(not likely). Firstly, militarism results in a marked control of militarists in European civil government, affecting powers to adopt aggressive diplomatic policies ,such as colonial acquisition. Such aggressive policies inevitably led to conflicts among powers when they competed for the same piece of land(e.g. Britain and France compete for Egypt) and in turn speed up arms race as powers believed to use military action to solve disputes. That is, the militarists backed up the colony expansion when conflicts occurred and it created tensions among powers and further speeded up arms race and powers were prepared to enter a war whenever necessary. Besides, as militarists controlled the governments, it's very hard for disputes to settle in peaceful means. Secondly, the idea of militarism speeded up the armament race among powers as countries distrusted each other, causing them each to increase their arms.The failure of the disarmament conferences showed that powers reserve their use of arms to solve problems, so then they started to make more military preparations and increase the likelihood of war. Thirdly, militarism was the most important of all the factors that outweigh the other factors like extreme nationalism or alliance system. In fact, the development of alliance system was that the mutual suspicions of military powers -for fear of the military force of powers. The military forces of powers facilitated the growth of extreme nationalism ,for example, the pan-Slav movement was backed up by Russia. Therefore, Militarism was the most underlying causes contributing to breaking of world war 1. To sum up, Militarism was a major factors that created war mood and possible war preparation before the war really broke out. Other factors might complicated the matter that gradually developed the war into a world scale. | ||
| cheng siu kei ( - 203.83.110.227) Rating: |
Most of the history is complicated.Most historians regarded the First World War as one of the most complicated affair in the modern world.Among those important factors generating the ourbreak of First World War,the spread of extremely nationalism seems as the the most cruical one. Extremely nationalism is an idea that encouraging the empires or nation-states to expand or even conquer other regions in order to rise of military,political and economic powers as well as expand the ruling area.Extremely nationalists seem to urge high national prestige. It was the most important cause of First World War since originally it resulted many other factors of outbreak of First World War.Armament rivalry,imperialism and colonization were products under extreme nationalism.For examples,his eagerness of defeating Britain to become the leading power economically and militarily made William II,the German Emperor,started the navy rivary with Britain.Between late 19th century and before the First World War,the increasing number of dreadnought Ships by Germany was following that of Britain.Moreover,after 1880,the Scramble for Africa between the European countries was intensified by extremely nationalism when they thought this helped them open new markets and enhance raw material and resources.Colonization in Africa and Asia could increase countries' area of ruling and prestige,too.Although armament races and expanding of power were causes of the outbreak of First World War,the spread of extreme nationalism lied the seeds to them. The ""powder magazine"" in Eastern Europe was built with nationalism.In the Eastern Europe, independent movement of the Slavs made the thing worse.In addition to the Per-Germanism, which advocated the Germans to absorb all German subjects like in Austria into the German Empire,these two national movements provoked many struggles between the powers.For instance, Russia helped the Pan-Slavism by beackin Serbia so as to expand into the Black Sea and she came into conflicts with Austria,who hoped to intervene into the Balkan affairs aiming keeping her Slav subjects not to leave her empire.This directly resulted the First World War in 1914 when Serbia and Austria,backed by Russia and Germany respectively,opened fighting and dragged the Triple Entente and Triple Aliiances into wars. Because of the Pan-Germanism,Germany chose Austria,a sister of her, as her "friend" instead of Russia after the throne of William II.The increasing strong German power frightened other powers such as France and Britain to form allies against Germany.Pan-Slavism ,Pan-Germanism and other movements like the Young Turk Movement were caused by nationalism which required people with same races,religion and cuture joining to form independent and untied countries.THese made a lot of conflicts with other powers. Some people may argue that the alliance system was the most important cause of outbreak of First World War.They suggest that the opposing camps of Triple Alliance and Triple Entente aroused the risks of war.This was true that the formation of two camps by Germany,Austria and Italy versus the one of Britain,France and Russia increased the mutual suspicions and provided chances for them to arm and prepare for war.However,the formation of alliance system did not directly make the war when they were proved not to be binded stictly. Even the members didnt support each other thoroughly.Austria didnt support Germany in the Moroccan Crisis when she was dicussing with France to solve the problems.Germany restrained Austria form attacking Serbia during the Second Blkan War in 1912.The most significant example was Italy.She joined the Triple Entente when the First World War broke out.These showed that such loose alliance systems couldnt stir up the war easily,but extremely nationalism could when it enocouraged Powers to supported each other when interests would be granted.Russia helped Serbia for sea,the Black Sea,and land,the Blakans. All in all, extremely nationalism gave rise to the First World War.The other underlying causes,such as Imperialism and Armament races,and events leading up to wars like the Balkan Wars, were mainly the by-products of extremely nationalism when the European subjects tended to strive for its success.The Alliance system was only a thing in paper that had less influence than it.As a result,I think extremely nationalism was the most important factor of the outbreak of First World War. | ||
| WONG YEE MAN (Mandy) Rating: N/A |
In 1914, the WWI broke out. There were several reasons that lead to the great war. But I think the alliance system in 1873-1914 was the most important cause due to WWI. After the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War, Bismarck wanted to keep France isolated in order to prevent France¡¦s revenge of the war. So, Bismarck seek allies to isolate France and keep her permanently weak. So in 1873, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia, this alliance broke. Then in 1882, the Triple Alliance formed finally with Italy, Germany and Austria-Hungary. In the other hand, in 1907, France and Russia formed the Triple Entente and France formed the Triple Cordiale with Britain. Finally, the three countries formed the Triple Entente. So, in 1908, the two opposing camp form. All the alliances promised that the allies will help each other to defence if any one of them was attacked by two or more powers. They will stay neutral when there was just one attacker. With this promises, a war between two nations was likely to involve many others. Besides, as one camp didn¡¦t know the settlements of the others, mutual suspicious and fears became deepened. And as the countries believed that their allies would give them military support, the powers became less willing to settle disputes by peaceful means. That made the began of war became easier and the war between two countries became the matter of the world. Somebody may claim that extreme nationalism was the most important cause led to the war. That was true that nationalism led the people to believe that expansion and glory were important. This intensified the international disputes over colonies in Europe. They were ready for wars to gain colonies. Although nationalism really an important cause to bring about wars, but those wars were supposed to be a war between two countries. That will not expand into a world war without the alliances. So the spread of nationalism can¡¦t be said as the most important cause of WWI. Others may try to argue that imperialism was the most important factor. But we know that those imperial rivalries were settled by the rival powers before the great war and they were not as important as the alliance system and even the other causes of the WWI. Finally, we also cannot say the armament race was the most important cause. As the armament race was resulted from the imperialism and the alliance system because the powers just felt that their armament must stronger than the other side. And the race was just between two or even three powers, so it wasn¡¦t the most important cause due to the world war. To conclude, as the powers sought to increase their strength by forming alliances. The alliances helped the increase of suspicious and fear among the power. And the linkage of the powers became great and involved the whole world power. So, the alliance system stimulated international tensions which paved the way for WWI and we can say that was the most important cause. | ||
| Yip Ming Wai (Brenda) Rating: N/A |
Among all the causes which contributed to the break out of First World War, I think the most important one is extreme nationalism. Nationalism in the late 19th and 20th centuries was not only a desire for unity and independence among the subject peoples, of the same race and culture, against the domination of another power; but also a narrow and dangerous kind of patriotism. This kind of nationalism made the European powers try all costs to strengthen their own position in Europe and even the world, they were also willing to take whatever action in order to increase their power and promote national interest. Therefore, nationalism encouraged the Powers to take the risk of creating international disputes. What they cared was only striving for the best thing to their own nations, for instance, expansion and glory. Tension among the Powers mainly arose from nationalism. For example, the grest tension between France and Germany appeared due to their different nationalist aims. On the one hand, since her humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, France had a strong desire for taking revenge. She also wanted to gain back Alsace-Lorraine. To recover national prestige, France always wanted to assert her dominance over Germany. On the other hand, Germany was determined to keep France weak and isolated after the German Unification. She tried her best to prevent France from gaining allies. What's more, some extreme nationalists in Germany were impressed by the rapid growth in Greman strength, so they believed that Germany should dominance Europe. Hence Pan-Germanism had a good opportunity to rise up. Germany decided to adopt aggressive foreign policies. Such policies make international relation grow worse. In fact, nationlism was essential to the First World War, not only because of the above direct influence, but also the following indirect links. Imperialism, alliance system as well as armance race, which were considered as causes of the First World War, were all brought about by nationalism. Imperialism referred to a desire to extend national influence overseas. All the Powers were eager to gain direct political control over oversea territories, since they could gain national pride and internaional position by building a great colonial empire. The national consideration made them not afraid of falling in conflicts with other powers. For example, Germany and France competed for Morocco and even lad to two crises-- the First and Second Moroccan Crises in 1905 and 1911 which further worsened their relation. Concerning the alliance system, again, it was created due to the national interest. Since Bismarck of Germany insisted to keep France isolated so as to protect Germany from Frence revenge, he first started the Three Emperors' League in 1893 which marked the beginning of alliance system. This system encouraged the Powers to promote national interests and settle disputes with violence as they believed that the allies would help them. The armance race also arose from extreme nationalis. Since the Powers believed that to promote national interests and security, it was important to build up strong military power. Therefore, nationalism was the most important cause of First World War since it directly led to international disputes. And if it did not exist, the other causes might not be able to arise. | ||
| chan wing ki (Kinkichan) Rating: N/A |
What was the most important factor leading to the outbreak of World War I ? The underlying causes leading to WWI were so complex that involved extreme nationalism, imperialism, alliance system, the armaments race, etc. These factors increased international tension and therefore the possibility of war. Among various causes, I think the growth of extreme nationalism was the most important factor. By the early 20th century, nationalism had developed from a desire for independence to an aggressive movement for national greatness. The belief of radical superiority and national honor inspired Europe and this resulted in a struggle among the powers for hegemony. Since every European Power attained to expand for glory and to achieve a dominate position in Europe, their desires crushed with each other and this led to struggle over territories. For instance, Russia acted as Big brother to protect the Slavic states in the Balkans from aggression of Germany and Austria. On the other hand, the Germans believed that they had a mission to dominate Europe due to their racial superiority. As a result, the Pan-Slavism as well as Pan-German movement served to intensify Russo-German conflicts in the Balkans as well as to sharpen conflicts between Austria and Russia. Germany¡¦s unconditional support for Austria in 1914 ultimately led to the outbreak of WWI. As a result of the extreme nationalism, the powers believed they had to equip themselves so that they were powerful enough to struggle for superiority. Thus, they attempted to achieve their aims by means of conquering colonies which resulted in New Imperialism. Also, European Powers were urged to make more arms(leading to armament race)and to empower with more allies(leading to Alliance System) for the sake of strengthening positions in Europe. As a result, the tension was intensified which ultimately increasing the possibility of war. This series of power struggle such as Alliance System was initially derived from the desire of gaining national superiority. Being the origin of international conflicts, the extreme nationalism was therefore the most important factor leading to WWI. Although Imperialism and economic rivalries inevitably led to serve conflicts among the Powers, which eventually led to war. However, its role should not be over-emphasized as by 1914 nearly all colonial conflicts among the Powers had been peacefully settled by diplomatic means. This is not decisive in making situation that provoking war between rival alliances in 1914. In spite of the possibility of war brought by the alliance system, some historians think that the importance of this system should not be over-emphasized. Generally speaking, the system was defensive rather that aggressive. A power concluded an alliance to strengthen its position so that its rival dared not declare war on its first. Also, when there was no common interest on the affairs, even the powers stood on the same camp, no real attempts would be concluded. Such weakness of the Alliance System weakened its possibility leading to war . Since extreme nationalism was the underlying belief that inspired various international struggles such as colonial tension, armament race, which in turn intensified conflicts among Powers, thus it is the most important factor for the outbreak of WWI. | ||
| Tong Yuk-wa (Derek) Rating: N/A |
There were several causes leading to the outbreak of the WWI. Out of the several causes of the WWI, I think that nationalism was the most important cause. Nationalism, which had been a desire for the national glory and prestige among the same subject, turned to an extreme and aggressive emotion that the countries would promote their national interest regardless of its effects on others. All of them tried to dominate each other in economic, colonial and diplomatic spheres. That was why international disputes easily turned out. For example, the Germans tried to unify all the German people to dominate Europe and prevent France from recovering from the taking revenge while France was eager to take revenge on Germany for her lost prestige and territories. Russia and Austria tried to extend their powers to the Balkan states. Russia wanted to gain the warm water ports while Austria tried to claim compensation in the Balkans. It was no wonder that the national interests of the powers clashed with each other. This intensified the international disputes and increased the tensions among the European powers. As time went on, once the powers could no longer tolerate, war was inevitable. Actually, there were some other causes, yet, they were not as important as nationalism. Or even I could say that they were the sub-products of nationalism. Concerning imperialism, most colonial disputes were settled before the outbreak of war, like the Franco-Italian conflict was settled by a secret agreement. The alliance system, another cause leading to WWI, was genuinely originated by nationalism. For instance, Germany formed Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy to isolate France. In return, France, together with Russia and Britain, formed Triple Entente to resist the attack from German¡¦s allies. This divided Europe into teo opposing camps. If the powers did not want to promote and secure their interest, how come they had to form alliance with other countries? When it comes to the armament race, all the powers tried to self-strengthen themselves, particularly in the military aspect. Yet, what was the aim of strengthening themselves? It was to make them strong enough to extend their power. Ultimately, it was the work of nationalism to make them do so. In all, nationalism created numerous problems and increased the tension among the powers. That was why I would say that nationalism was the most important cause to the WWI. | ||
| ¢û¢ñ¢ý¡@¢û£C¢í ( - 203.218.162.217) Rating: N/A |
The cause of the First World War was very complicated that meant not so simply just one factor led to the deadly war which killed millions of people . In my opinion , the most important cause of WWI was the the growing idea in Europe, that was Nationalism .Throughtout much of the 19th centry , it was a driving force leading to national unity. However, owing to the growing influence of Social Drawinism ,it was believed that national prastige must be upheld by controlling weaker nations and races. Nationalism also exercised a major influence over educated Europeans . The result was that major European states by the turn of the century became millitant and less tolerant of one another . Nationalism also became an important force among races and states still under foreign rule. Such feelings were particularly strong amoung the Balkan states made up of the slav race and the non-German races controlled by Austria-Hungary . The struggle for self-determination was further stimulated by the national rivalries among the great Powers , especially that between the Dual Monarchy and Russia . Not only Austria-Hungary but also Russia was determinded to extend their control to the Balkans .Things eventually got out of control. It was the national problem in the Balkans that pushed international relations to the point of war . Nationalism developed into a narrow and dangerous king of pariotism . The European powers tried at all costs to strengthen their own positions in Europe and the world . They were willing to take any action to promote their national interests , regardless of its effects on others. As a result , love for one's country easily turned into international disputes in which each power struggled for the biggest and best of everything. Nationalism had become an extreme and aggressive emotion.The powers tried to achieve their own nationalist aims by expanding their own nation . This internsified the international disputes over colonies , and economic and diplomatic rivalries in Europe . This increased the tensions among the European powers, especially between France and Germany, and between Austria-Hungary and Russia. To promote their national interests , they were even ready to start wars. The reason why i think that the nationalsim was the most important cause of WWI was because the nationalism not only influenced European directly ,which make them estimated the expansion and showing glory of their own nation too much ,but also generated other factors which led the WWI . Firstly , the extreme nationalistic feelings made almost the major European powers scramble for colonies and which inflamed the imperialism . They felt proud to built a great empire. the size of one's overseas empire became an important measure of one's national power . There is no denying that imperialism brought about rivalries among the powers.Although the imperial rivalries did not directly lead to the outbreak of the WWI,the relations among the powers became tense and their misunderstandings deepened. Moreover, nationalism also accelerated the armaments race among the powers . By the late of 19th century , militarism became a popular idea owing to the rise of extreme nationalism and the building of rival alliances.The powers believed in the importance of military strength and adopted policies of military expansion.Therefore,by the turn of the 20th century, nationalists,imperialists and the makers of armaments all urged their own governments to build up the military forces.This resulted in the armament race.The competition in building armies and navies undoubtedly brought fear and suspicion among the powers. The naval rivalry between Germany and Britain became a major source of conflict prior to the war . Most powers began to prepare for possible warfare . The failure of the disarmament conferences further confirmed that international disputes were to be settled by war. It was against this background that the risk of war increased and Europe moved further towards a world war. To conclude , the nationalism generated many other factors of the WWI and they were interrelated that intensified the tension among the relation of the European powers . Eventually ,the WWI broke ¢÷¢ý¢üas a result. | ||
| ¢û¢ñ¢ý¡@¢û£C¢í ( - 203.218.162.217) Rating: |
The cause of the First World War was very complicated that meant not so simply just one factor led to the deadly war which killed millions of people . In my opinion , the most important cause of WWI was the the growing idea in Europe, that was Nationalism .Throughtout much of the 19th centry , it was a driving force leading to national unity. However, owing to the growing influence of Social Drawinism ,it was believed that national prastige must be upheld by controlling weaker nations and races. Nationalism also exercised a major influence over educated Europeans . The result was that major European states by the turn of the century became millitant and less tolerant of one another . Nationalism also became an important force among races and states still under foreign rule. Such feelings were particularly strong amoung the Balkan states made up of the slav race and the non-German races controlled by Austria-Hungary . The struggle for self-determination was further stimulated by the national rivalries among the great Powers , especially that between the Dual Monarchy and Russia . Not only Austria-Hungary but also Russia was determinded to extend their control to the Balkans .Things eventually got out of control. It was the national problem in the Balkans that pushed international relations to the point of war . Nationalism developed into a narrow and dangerous king of pariotism . The European powers tried at all costs to strengthen their own positions in Europe and the world . They were willing to take any action to promote their national interests , regardless of its effects on others. As a result , love for one's country easily turned into international disputes in which each power struggled for the biggest and best of everything. Nationalism had become an extreme and aggressive emotion.The powers tried to achieve their own nationalist aims by expanding their own nation . This internsified the international disputes over colonies , and economic and diplomatic rivalries in Europe . This increased the tensions among the European powers, especially between France and Germany, and between Austria-Hungary and Russia. To promote their national interests , they were even ready to start wars. The reason why i think that the nationalsim was the most important cause of WWI was because the nationalism not only influenced European directly ,which make them estimated the expansion and showing glory of their own nation too much ,but also generated other factors which led the WWI . Firstly , the extreme nationalistic feelings made almost the major European powers scramble for colonies and which inflamed the imperialism . They felt proud to built a great empire. the size of one's overseas empire became an important measure of one's national power . There is no denying that imperialism brought about rivalries among the powers.Although the imperial rivalries did not directly lead to the outbreak of the WWI,the relations among the powers became tense and their misunderstandings deepened. Moreover, nationalism also accelerated the armaments race among the powers . By the late of 19th century , militarism became a popular idea owing to the rise of extreme nationalism and the building of rival alliances.The powers believed in the importance of military strength and adopted policies of military expansion.Therefore,by the turn of the 20th century, nationalists,imperialists and the makers of armaments all urged their own governments to build up the military forces.This resulted in the armament race.The competition in building armies and navies undoubtedly brought fear and suspicion among the powers. The naval rivalry between Germany and Britain became a major source of conflict prior to the war . Most powers began to prepare for possible warfare . The failure of the disarmament conferences further confirmed that international disputes were to be settled by war. It was against this background that the risk of war increased and Europe moved further towards a world war. To conclude , the nationalism generated many other factors of the WWI and they were interrelated that intensified the tension among the relation of the European powers . Eventually ,the WWI broke as a result. | ||
| ctk ( - 203.218.183.126) Rating: N/A |
No limit. Or some 500 words. | ||
| Wong Ho Ching (Ah_ching) Rating: N/A |
How many words should we write? | ||
| ctk ( - 202.64.92.195) Rating: N/A |
As preliminary discussion, what do you think about the most important cause of WWI? |
