America and the Great War How the Forces of Nationalism, Imperialism, and Militarism Irrevocably Led to World War I

At face value, it can be concluded that WW started as a result of increasing military power in the participating European nations. It may also be argued that the arms race played a role too. However, an in-depth interrogation of the circumstances that surrounded the outbreak of the war reveals that there were more reasons why countries rose against each other.

To begin with, countries in Europe experienced a strong sense of nationalism that set them apart from the rest. This euphoric nationalistic tendencies and patriotism was also the seed for hatred for other countries. It seemed to the people of that age that for one to excel, the other must be under subjugation or eliminated altogether. Economic competition that existed at the time also played a major role in fuelling the WW. In particular, the urge for European nations to expand their colonies abroad led to stiff rivalry and competition overseas.

Imperial tendencies, fear of war and economic competition led to the formation of military alliances. The aspect of the arms race, coupled with navy competition is also significant trigger of the war. The increasing militarism in Europe cannot be ruled out (How militarism, nationalism and imperialism contribituted to the outbreak of World War One, 2016). Yet, perhaps one incident that one cannot focus their attention from in the actual explosion of full scale WW was the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand who was the heir of the Austrian throne. He was assassinated on June 28th 1914. A young nationalist of the Black Hand from Serbia executed the assassination of Ferdinand and his wife. Military power nationalism and pride and imperialism are strong culprits that triggered the bloody war. Nations competed to conscript the largest number of people in their armies. Industrial development at the time also meant controlling satellite states in the name of colonies. The need to accumulate power and wealth also plated seeds of cessation among some nationals. Suddenly there was increased need to form independent nations to champion common causes and avoid the fragmented ideological inclinations and interest in some states. 1870 marked a period when there was heightened competition for arms in Europe. The armaments were meant for defense but they caused a lot of suspicion among neighbors. The suspicion grew into fear and evolved into hatred for other nations. There were specific undercurrents that fanned the war from within European countries.

Pan-Slavism and Nationalism among German Speaking States

Pan-Slavism refers to a movement that emerged in the 19th century among the Slav speaking peoples of Eastern Europe and those from the east central part. It set out to liberate and unite them. The intention was to forge common political, cultural and social...

The Slav intellectuals from the west and south are credited for initiating the formation of the Pan-Slav movement. The movement was formed in the early part of the 19th century. The Pan African movement became political. Frantisek Palacky, a Czech historian, convened a congress for Slave in Prague. It consisted of representatives of Slav nationalities that were under Austrian rule. The congress was supposed to inspire cooperation and force the emperor to change his monarchy and form a federation of equal peoples under Hubsberg rule that was democratic (Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 1998).
National rivalries between Germany and Britain were rife. There was also acrimony and competition between Japan and America. Relations were also sour between Germany and Russia. All these factors led to the incidence of WW. The German Kaiser ruffled feathers when he declared that Germany had come of age to become a world power. Unifying Slavic states into one state of Yugoslavia and the emergence of the Black Hand Movement were expressions of nationalism. The Balkan crisis also fanned the outbreak of the war. There were three interested empires that wanted a stake in the Balkans. Turkey, Russia and Austria-Hungary were all focused on this region. Austria was intent on taking over Herzegovinia and Bosnia. Russia did not sit comfortable with Austria's ambitions. War was, thus, inevitable.

How the Alliance System Contributed to The Ultimate Outbreak of War

The system of alliances also triggered the war. The assassin that killed Archduke Ferdinand intended to force Austria Hungary to move out of the Balkans. The Austria Hungary government sent an ultimatum to the Serbian government. It threatened attacking them if specific demands were not met. Russia was dragged into the conflict hence the outbreak of the war. Austria invaded Serbia on the 28th of June, 1914. Germany mobilized its troops in readiness for war. Russia followed suit. Germany on its part declared war against France on August 3rd 1914. They launched their attacks via Belgium; which was a neutral country. Britain joined the war to protect Belgium with whom they had cordial relations. The balance of power contributed to the outbreak of the war (Reference, 2016).

The Events That Drew the United States into World War I, Why America First Remained Neutral From 1914 To 1917, And the Specific Events That Led to America's Entrance into The War

Germany's to resume submarine attacks on both passenger and merchant ships in 1917 prompted President Wilson to get the U.S. to join WW. Wilson warned Germany that he would severe all diplomatic relations if Germany did not stop attacking passenger ships and allowed enemy ship crews to disembark and abandon their ships before attack. This was after the sinking of the French unarmed boat named Sussex in the English Channel in March 1916. Germany complied with Wilson's terms on May 4th 1916. This action was dubbed the Sussex pledge. Germany had reneged on its pledge by January 1917. Kaiser II had been convinced that resuming…