The Most Significant Causes Of The First World War

The First World War, also known as “The Great War” has very often been criticized as being pointless and unnecessary. Whether it actually was, remains a question that can only be answered after closely examining the causes that made it a reality. In the following paragraphs, I will examine three of the most significant causes of the outbreak of WWI: the alliance system, militarism and imperialism.

First of all, one of the most referred to causes of the war is the alliance system. The world in the start of the 20th century was divided into two opposing alliances. The first, known as the Central Powers, was established in 1879 and consisted of Germany and Austria-Hungary (Dual Alliance), then Italy who joined in 1882 (Triple Alliance), the
First of all, imperialism created competition among the European powers that all wanted to expand their colonies and engage in empire building. Examples to showcase how wars had erupted throughout the world include the Crimean War (1853-1856) and the “Great Game” where Great Britain and Russia went to war both wanting Afghanistan for its geopolitical location to India. However, many historians, including Fritz Fischer argue that the situation only went out of hand when the new power of Germany in the 1860s and 1870s, with its new Kaiser Wilhelm II, adopted the policy of Weltpolitik. Germany sought to assert her influence around the globe and get her “place in the sun”. The traditional imperialist nations in Africa and Asia, Great Britain and France were challenged and the tensions remained unresolved for a very long time. Africa, being one of the most popular continents for colonization caused great unrest between the nations and the “scramble for Africa” was a reality. The problems heightened when Kaiser visited Morocco in 1905 and supported its Independence from France. Very soon, France was ready for war, and Britain, Russia and Italy made clear that in the event of a war they would by her side. The divided alliances were now clear. At the same time, the Ottoman Empire was shrinking and threatened of collapse, which was an opportunity for the Europeans to claim territory and influence in the region (“ The Eastern question”). The expansion of the European nations created extreme tensions and rivalry as the states fought to gain influence and territory. But, it was also this significant colonial expansion that really allowed the European crisis of 1914 to become a World