Imperialism and How It Contributed to Causing Ww1
World War 1 is undoubtedly one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the modern world, responsible for the deaths of over 11 million young men. From 1914-1918 the European powers fought out one of the bloodiest series of battles ever recorded, including some horrific battles like the Battle of Fromelles, the Battle of the Somme, Gallipoli and the Battle of Verdun to name only a few. The reasons behind this tragic event are complex, but several factors including Imperialism had a rather influential role in causing this calamity. Imperialism, the act of establishing an empire through the acquisition of ‘lesser’ or ‘primitive’ countries for the purpose of increasing a country’s wealth, power and prestige, became popular during the expansion of the Spanish Empire in the 1600’s. While the European powers like Britain and Germany raced to control as much of the world as possible, the already present tensions between European countries were exacerbated; this eventuated in causing the First World War. This essay will look at the emergence of Imperialism within the British Empire, how Imperialism affected firstly the colonies made, and secondly the competitors (Germany) and how the raised tensions that Imperialism created resulted in the First World War. These three points will contribute to show that Imperialism was instrumental in causing World War One, and also responsible for making it as bloody and terrible as it was.
Imperialism has been around since the ancient civilisations, as the concept of making an empire to improve the wealth, power and prestige of a civilisation was almost second nature to people like the Incas or the Hittites. However the term Imperialism has only been used more recently, during the expansion of the British Empire. During this expansion the British used their superior weaponry and technology to forcefully overcome many of the countries they wished to capture like they did during their invasion of the Zulus and of the Maoris, which was
Imperialism has been around since the ancient civilisations, as the concept of making an empire to improve the wealth, power and prestige of a civilisation was almost second nature to people like the Incas or the Hittites. However the term Imperialism has only been used more recently, during the expansion of the British Empire. During this expansion the British used their superior weaponry and technology to forcefully overcome many of the countries they wished to capture like they did during their invasion of the Zulus and of the Maoris, which was