Imperialism, Nationalism’s economically based counterpart would act as a central motivation for the fighting and clashes of the Great War. Defined as conquering/and or dominating for economic and personal gains, the influential ideals of Imperialism would spawn from various popular ideologies in Europe such as Colonialism and Mercantilism, and root from the Age of Exploration. Imperialism would be considered the father of Industrialism and the economy of Europe. The first genuine signs of true Imperialism can be marked back to events such as the English Expansion and French Expansion into the “untouched” Americas. What drew leaders and philosophers to this concept was the resources and benefits? In exotic and unconquered lands, rich soil and …show more content…
various animal breeds, along with desired raw materials were present in areas such as the Americas to the Caribbean. Sadly, thought processes were corrupted and the ideal was maliciously used to slaughter innocent natives of realms across the globe and steal from the land, eventually deeming these plots of land useless of material values and labeled as a “colony”. Essentially, these materials were used to build homes and furniture in the beginning, and proceed into a new level of innovation. Located in the chart titled “Size of Colonial Empires in 1913” (Doc F) adapted from Colin Nicolson’s writing titled The First World War displays of the colonial value imperial nations acclaimed, aimed to inform viewers and readers, for educational and factual purposes. The Colonial Chart is a reliable source, this is because there is no latent bias and the statistics are accurate. To proceed, the adaptation of the First World War displays “Britain---Area (sq. miles): 12,740,000”, and continues with “Germany---Area (sq. miles): 1,139,000” (Doc F). As imperial powers during this time, these two countries had massive amounts of land on their hands, resulting in many forms of materials and economic benefits. It would be reasonable to assume with that much colonial power, these nations would want more for more benefits. To elaborate, these nations would eventually conquer more, and more for the sake of their economy to expand financially and become a global superpower. Further, in the statement produced by Bulow and presented to the German people at the near start of World War One, he announces in his announcing, “stretching it’s (Germany) economic antennae to all sides” to convince German Citizens to support Bulow’s imperialistic thoughts (Doc D).
It is obvious the speech, designed to persuade others into the Chancellor’s imperial based ideas for Germany, was focused around Germany’s goal to economically expand. This is because he elaborates about stretching Germany’s landmass or as said in his speech “stretching . . . to all sides”. Moreover, the reliable “European Alliances Map of 1914-18” portrays Germany having more land and power than modern day Germany (Doc A). The intent and aim of the map is to display the European Map during World War One and project the bonds between World Powers. Instead of bordering Poland, the nation appears to have land over Poland. Even Prussia is conquered by Germany. The illustration proves that World War One was contributed by imperialism because Germany has more land than it’s modern day counterpart, therefore having some form of economic gain and land. To summarize, the imperialist mindset of nations would influence and spark World War …show more content…
One. Militarism would serve as a strong stem to the war and would be very involved within the battles, due to the arms race and intense competition for the strongest military.
Militarism according to trusted Webster's Dictionary informs “The opinions or actions of people who believe that a country should use military methods, forces, etc., to gain power and to achieve its goals.” In a time of peace in Europe, the European Powers only had swords and small guns. When Germany fired the shots, these countries of Europe were in desperate need of weaponry and artillery to defend themselves. As a result, an Arms Race was developed to prepare and strengthen against Germany. This would result in militaries being built up, and innovations in the weaponry topic. Bernhard Von Bulow in his speech dubbed “The Hammer Or The Anvil” he biasly, untruthfully predicts “There is no welfare for us without power, without a strong army, and fleet.”, (Doc D). Analyzing the statement, it can be assumed the statement’s goal was to provoke the German Congress into building up their navy and war forces. From this, the sentence reveals the mindset and viewpoint of the Chancellors visions on Militarism. This shows that Militarism would be a big igniter Germany fighting in the war of Europe, therefore it acting as a spark to set off the World’s Most Bloody Clash of the Ages, even beating the infamous Civil War. To advance on, The London Times History of the World displays a reliable set of data in “Growth
of Armaments 1890-1914” edited by Richard Overy, originally used to educate by showing readers the British Pounds spent on the military (Doc C). Displayed in the 1914 section, a bar graph shows the British Pounds in millions that were spent on the Navy and the Army. The imperial powers of Germany and Austria-Hungary obtain the top two mark for the most British Pounds spent, in addition, the Kingdom of Great Britain reaches third place in the chart. These statistics reveal the effort, by money, nations used to build their armies and navies for violent combat. In essence, this action that Global Superpowers would perform would essentially be a form of extreme militarism. This is because these nations are spending money and resources to amass larger and more massive troops for military based gains during wartime. Continuing on, located on the same Bar Graph with the objective to inform readers about the army, The London Times accurately notes in the projection, “By 1914 the Entente Powers could field 2.23 million men, Germany and Austria-Hungary 1.2” (Doc C). To add on, these Global Wonders obtained relatively large armies. This would show that Militarism would contribute to World War One, because the notation describes the size of the Allied Powers military, and the Central Powers army during the Arms Race. To conclude, this all verifies that Militarism, an abundant, influential ideal would ignite the hellish, Great War of the 1900s. A fourth mainspring which would surprisingly prompt World War One would be the conducive rivalries and teams, or in other words Alliances within the world. The term alliances or nations within an allegiance is expounded as when countries ally as a union and federate in peace. Alliances would be very abundant throughout human history. Due to countries being alone in the early centuries, these nations would be targeted and require special aid. Especially new, non fully developed nations. Due to close bonds and religious similarities, various nations would bond in the elder ages, resulting in what is now referred to as alliances. In an alliance, nations would most of the time fight alongside each other and work together. As a result of this concept, rivalries between powers in Europe would occur. In essence, these rivalries caused serious tension and would result in more countries sparring against each other. Due to this, wars like World War One, and World War Two would occur. The well trusted “European Alliances Map, 1914-18” displays the the mighty Central Powers aligned, shaded in pink to symbolize their alliance, and was generated to show the bonds and relationships between nations (Doc A). The mapping out of the Central Powers alliance verifies that the alliances located in Europe would increase likeliness of outbreaks of bloodshed. This is because alliances and allies would result in rivalry and contention between imperial powers. This newly spawned tension would encourage and trigger a series of violent outbreaks, which would eventually morph into the War of 1914-18 people know today. Again in the “European Alliances, 1914-18” map, along with the ambition to educate Americans about the teams and factions entered in the battling, the mapping exhibits the countries aligned of the Allied Powers, colored in a neon green (Doc A). Examining the projection, the Allied Powers appear to surround the Central Powers. With the Germans, Austro-Hungarians surrounded by their enemies, agitation was definitely abundant, and stress would dramatically increase. This would prove that alliances within Europe would formulate pressure within Central Europe, since the alliance of France, Britain, and Russia would border against Germany and Austro-Hungary, which would provoke Germany to defend themselves. To add on, The Chicago Daily Tribune illustrates within the new article “The Crime of Ages”, soldiers representing the nations involved in the war, illustrated to spawn and morph controversy (Doc B). When the illustration is analyzed, nations like France and Britain and Russia appear to point at Germany, meanwhile Germany contradicts against the countries and responds with a pointing back. This would show the alliances and mutually beneficial unions formed, due to the fact nations that are aligned point at the same country. To apply on, the “blame-game” between powers would lead to more than arguing. Rivalries would morph from this, and as a result countries would be driven to fight, proving the alliances of Europe would allow World War One, of 1914-1918 to occur. Others across the globe may argue the bloody battles in Europe didn’t have a cause. Some may say it was all Germany’s fault, others may have different ideals. World War One for it’s occurrence would require a series of and triggers and mainsprings. Without thoughts of Nationalism, there would be no drive, without Imperialism, there would be no gains or intents, without Alliances, heated rivalries would never occur, and without Militarism, the war would be puny, and wouldn’t be dubbed the “Great War”. To support, the war wouldn’t spontaneous evolve into a global fight. Summarizing, without the underlying causes, the First World War would never happen. Proceeding, Nationalism, which would push and drive nations to fight for dominance, imperialism, a desperation for economic gains through taking land, to add on, militarism, expanding the navy and armies, and developing more advanced weaponry, and alliances, distant bonds between nations to defend each other would serve as stimulations to trigger a massive scale war. World War One would bring on new innovations for humankind, and set off the Roaring ‘20s. After such a bloody war, hundreds of soldiers came home, while millions stayed in Europe dead. While the conflict was believed to be the conclusion, it would only serve as a surprising introduction. The engagement would permanently make a bloody mark on history, and change all the wars that would occur in the future for eternity.
Throughout the 19th century, European Imperialism had a major effect on Africa. As countries expanded in terms of wealth, resources, and innovation, more territory and workers were needed. The first solution to solve these problems was to begin colonizing in Africa. The driving force for imperialism in Europe and Africa was mainly economical. This economical approach was established through many ways including cultural and nationalistic ideas.
Imperialism became a driving force among European nations in the growth of power and wealth. European countries placed large values on controlling colonies, similarly to how members of the aristocratic society today would put emphasis on owning an immaculate mansion or an expensive car. Colonies formed in Latin America, Africa, and Asia were seen as status symbols for the overarching European countries; colonies represented economic strength and political power, which was fueled by intense nationalistic spirits. Competition for colonies became the biggest aspect of imperialism, leading several European powers to bicker over controlling colonial trade. The voices of the Colonists were oppressed and ignored as their land and resources were
Like previous American expansion, American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was motivated by desire for new economic gains and improvements. However, the social justification, diplomatic and military approach and geographical aspect of imperialist expansionism varied greatly from previous American growth. Therefore, American expansionism underwent more change in this period than continuity.
Imperialism is when a mother nation takes over another nation and become its colony for political, social, and economical reasons. Imperialism is a progressive force for both the oppressors (mother country) and the oppressed (colony), majorly occurring during the late 19th and early 20th century. It had more negative effects than positive effects due to its domination to other nations.
Practice what you preach! The Unites States preaches democracy, freedom, liberty and justice by all. Our ancestors fled England to gain these basic rights and establish a land of liberty and justice for all. As I study history, I have come to question whether we, as a country, really live by these principles. By the late 1800s the United States had become a world power with the ability to influence other countries and expand to new lands by using it military and economic powers; America was divided on how to use this power and influence. Expansion or isolation seemed to be the most argued political themes of the early 1900s. Europeans had drawn satisfaction from fulfilling a self-imposed “civilizing” mission to spread Western culture and
Imperialism was one of the things that played a major role in World War I. Imperialism is basically when one country tries to take over another country in various ways. Germany was attempting to control lands in Africa, which was a place that Britain and France had already established. (Brown, B. (2009, April 23). Causes of world war I (great war). Imperialism takes a lot of time to develop in terms of establishing the dominance needed to secure another nation or country. Therefore, imperialism is seen as a long-term cause WWI. (Brown, B. (2009, April 23). Causes of world war I (great war). By gaining land through imperialism, they had the idea that the country that gained the land would also gain valuable resources like the people and money. (Nationalism, imperialism, and militarism in world war I. (n.d.).
It has been debated by varying scholars as to whether Caesar Augustus’ foreign policy to expand Rome’s empire had more to do with defensive imperialism as a response to encroaching threats, or rather, an aggressively, unprovoked move to claim hegemony over the known world. However, I would like to postulate in support of the former theory that in an attempt to restore and ensure long-lasting security to their empire, Augustus was forced to take proactive measures in order to preserve it. With territorial boundaries normally running along the rivers so as to provide a better defensive posture, he felt it necessary to expand the northern border to the river so as to secure their autonomy and position. Perhaps if he could establish a wide buffer
The rapid engagement of the European global expansion during the late nineteenth century had inevitably led to an unpremeditated desire for a large scaled European war. In result of the Industrial Revolution, the surplus wealth for the middle class was defined by materialism that came from the globe. Therefore, the need to support the welfare of the European nations started a race to expand their empires in efforts to secure resources and profits. This colonial tension was in proportion to militarism as European nations saw the needs to take precautions by increasing the strength of their military. By striking threats into European nations, major powers saw the need to create protective alliances to eliminate the fear for war. However, the false interpretation of the alliances seen by the Europeans meant war with two countries means war with all nations.
"We cannot sit huddled within our own borders and avow ourselves merely an assemblage of well-to-do hucksters who care nothing for what happens beyond. Such a policy would defeat even its own end; for as the nations grow to have ever wider and wider interests, and are brought into closer and closer contact, if we are to hold our own in the struggle for naval and commercial supremacy, we must build up our Dower without our own borders." 1899, Theodore roosevelt his book, The Strenuous Life.
Introduction: The epoch of imperialism cannot be defined simply as a proliferation of inflated egos tied to the hardened opinions of nationalists, but also a multi-faceted global rivalry with roots of philosophies tainted with racism and social Darwinism. The technique of each imperialist was specific to the motivations and desires of each combative, predominantly Western power and subsequently impacted the success of each imperialist and its colonies. Driven by industrialization, Europeans are aware of the urgent need for raw materials and new markets to maintain a constant rate of expansion and wealth. Imperialism became a competition; in general, the European countries led with fervor while the non-Western regions deemed likely to be stepped on.
Imperialism can also be encouraged by patriotism, religion, and a sense of cultural and racial superiority. During the late 1800’s, a strong feeling of nationalism swept most European countries.
There were two different time periods where Imperialism occurred. The first wave of imperialism, called the 'Old' Imperialism, lasted from around 1500 - 1800. The 'New' Imperialism lasted from around 1870 - 1914. The three main differences that we will discuss today are the differences in economics, politics, and the motive behind all of this.
New imperialism was the mid nineteenth and twentieth centuries cultural equivalent to a modern day mafia, its roots entangled in the economic, cultural, and humanistic aspects of life. The sole objective of the nations entailed the exploitation of their controlled state. Gestating from the change in control of Asian and African nations to the Europeans by means of political deviance, malicious sieges, and strategic military attacks. The juxtaposition to the modern equivalent endures as the aforesaid is sheltered by the fairytale that these nations were in need of aid and by doing so the Europeans were the good guys. The ideas of new imperialism are greatly influenced by those of the enlightenment. Taking place during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the enlightenment was an intellectual movement with the goal of social progress (Genova, 1/11). Armed with scientific thought and reason, enlightenment thinkers set out to explore the fields of science, economics, and human nature. Brilliant minds such as Voltaire, Kant and others all across Western Europe collaborated to further knowledge. The enlightenment laid the foundation on which new imperialism sprung, embedding the ideas of an incessant need to explore not only the scientific world but the physical world as well. The enlightenments goals and ideas significantly influenced new imperialism, because the enlightenment created a need for new means and a purpose to accrue them.
The concept of imperialism is one that has pervaded nearly every major society or empire throughout human history. It seems to be a natural consequence of societies growing in size, power, and knowledge. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries vast changes occurred in Western Europe (and soon spread elsewhere) that spurred a new round of imperialism the likes of which had not been seen before. The changes were the industrial revolution that was taking place. Countries were rapidly advancing to industrial societies producing much greater quantities of goods at much lower costs. The goods produced ranged everywhere from cotton textiles to military machinery, all of which would play important roles in rounds of imperialistic expansion that would follow. The imperialistic displays by Western European nations also brought about several other industrial revolutions in other regions including the Ottoman Empire, Russia, and Japan. I will take a look at how the industrial revolution encouraged imperialistic expansion, as well as some of the results of that expansion in other regions.
...;By 1914 the system of diplomacy in Europe had broken down. Statesmen were thinking of war as a preventative measure rather than a last resort. Lloyd George remarked that Europe “stumbled and staggered into war” (Reasons for War 3). World War 1 was a result of aggression and tension in Europe; all of Europe played a part in the outbreak of war not just Germany. World War 1 had many complex causes rather than one main one.