World War One
Uploaded by Gang*k8 on May 02, 2008
Various issues, themes and events were discussed in this informative video the key ones however where; imperialism, nationalism, militarism, the arms race, the system of alliances and lastly, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand.
From 1870 to 1914 a new theme was introduced and carried out by the great powers of Europe, the theme was called Imperialism. One ruler in particular, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was a great believer imperialism and believed that through it, he and Germany, would gain the much desired: prestige and respect. Imperialism was brought on by Germany’s fast growing economy and her want for colonial expansion. It became a headlong rush between the new power of Germany and the other existing European powers to establish colonies; particularly in Africa, parts of Asia and the Pacific. Imperialism brought disputes over these colonies and threatened the existing fragile peace.
Another major Nineteenth Century theme was Nationalism, which was a large threat to some powers such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as it was made up of many ethnic groups. If some of these different ethnic groups were to adopt nationalism Austria-Hungary would cease to exist, (which it did). This is because nationalism was a powerful force and if adopted one was willing to do anything in the name of their nation to assert themselves and for their group’s independence, which is what Austria-Hungary feared. Extreme nationalism brought on new aspects that tied with international tension, aggression and militarism.
Militarism became another threat to peace, which was derived from the existence of large armies and navies. Leaders of the great powers believed in Social Darwinist theories - basically only the fittest and strongest empires could survive. They, the leaders, thought that as long as their nation was strong and prepared for war they argued that it ensured peace. Imperialists, nationalists and the makers of armaments, militarists, all supported these arguments and so an arms race begun, mainly between Britain and Germany. Britain had always had a policy in which its navy would be twice the size of any two navies in the world put together. Germany recognised that Britain’s navy was the reason for her colonial success, so she decided to build up hers. By building her navy Germany challenged Britain and in 1900 when the second naval law called for the development of Germany’s navy Britain responded by designing a new battle ship called the HMS Dreadnought. Germany felt encircled...