Imperialism In Germany

Through much of the nineteenth century nationalism was used as tool in political propaganda. Nationalism is the extreme patriotism or love for one’s country. In the past few centuries nationalism has been used a justification for many wars and genocides. Nationalism has also been used to fuel the desire for imperialism. Imperialism is when one country takes over another. This can be as direct as sending in armies or as indirect as signing treaties giving over social and or economical control. This use of nationalism has been heavily discussed. On the other hand, using another countries nationalistic tendencies for one country or group of peoples gain has not been widely discussed. This use of nationalism for another’s benefit can be seen between
Firstly, the Ottoman Empire had been feuding with over territorial disputes. Secondly, the Ottoman Empire felt it had been wronged by Great Britain. Before, the outbreak of World War One the Ottoman Empire had decided to purchase war ships from Great Britain. At the time of this purchase, the Ottoman Empire was severely lacking in the funds to purchase these war ships. Instead of raising taxes to pay for the war ships the government decided to use nationalism to help fund the ships. This was done through propaganda. This propaganda was used to convince the Ottoman citizens that is was their civic duty to help fund the war ships. Schools even took up donations so that the children could feel like they were contributing to the goals of the nation. Through nationalistic propaganda the funds for the war ships were raised. Shortly after the Ottomans paid for Great Britain to build the war ships World War One broke out. When the fighting started, Great Britain decided to stop making ships for other countries and focus on building up their arsenal of war supplies. This meant the Ottomans would not be receiving their war ships. The Ottoman Empire did not well take this. To the Ottomans these ships had become more than just tools for war they had become a symbol of national pride. This sleight of hand by Great Britain was the final straw for the Ottoman Empire war would ensue. The Ottoman Empire did more than joining Germany in World War One to seek its vengeance against Great Britain. The sultan of the Ottoman Empire, who was also the Caliph or holy leader of the Sunni sect of Islam, declared a jihad or holy war against Great Britain. This is significant because the Caliph is not only in charge of the Ottoman Empire but also any Sunni Muslim in the work. Meaning citizens of Great Britain and almost every other country in the world were just called to go to war against