Dbq Causes Of World War 1

While many factors led to the war, nationalism contributed the most, due to the desire of the Serbs to create their own Slavic nation and the need of each European country to be more superior than the others. “Additionally, the Serbians could or would do little to stop the activities of the anti-Austrian secret society, the Black Hand. To the Austrians, the rise of Pan-Slavic nationalism, and particularly Serbian aggression, was a direct threat to the future of the Austrian Empire.” (Doc J) Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a prominent figure in Austria-Hungary, was assassinated by the Black Hand, a Serbian organization. The purpose of the Black Hand was to unite the Serbs within Austria-Hungary, and it responded to the imminent threat, which could break up its empire, by declaring an
Because of the nationalistic efforts of the Black Hand, Austria-Hungary started a war against Serbia, sparking a conflict that eventually grew to be World War I. Additionally, nationalism also influenced militarism and caused a vicious rivalry between European countries. “The next year, in an attempt to compensate for its small empire, Germany enacted the Second Naval Law, intending to build a navy capable of challenging the British Royal Navy in combat. The British responded. By 1906, keeping ahead of the Germans in modern battleships was a national priority.” (Doc D) This demonstrates the pride of Britain and Germany that fueled the arms race. Because of nationalism, the tensions between these countries increased, and eventually they caused the European nations to commit so enthusiastically to the war. Although nationalism wasn’t the sole cause of World War I, it was the most impactful one, and it ultimately led to the enormous global conflict that was the