Imperialism : Main cause of WW1

WW1 was a major event in history, which resulted in a sudden shift of world powers, realignment of European borders and an emergence of new, powerful nations. Britain was a great imperial power closely followed by France and envied by Germany. Which is why in my opinion, Imperialism was one of the prime causes of WW1.The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand gave an opportunity for Austria-Hungary to be taken over by Serbia, which provided the distraction for Germany to exercise control over Alsace-Lorraine in France. However although I think imperialism was one of the main causes of WW1; it was not an isolated cause. I believe imperialism was supported by, Secret Alliances, Militarism, and Nationalism.

Due to the number of countries within Europe, and the numerous secret alliances of the time, there existed a great possibility of countries becoming signatory of multiple pacts. Germany for one was a signatory to 3kaiserbund, Triple alliance of 1882, and the Balkan League. These alliances lead to severe tensions between groups, when allegiances were necessary but could not be exercised due to conflict of interest. On the other hand, the number of alliances and counter alliances at the time should have aided in the prevention of wars and escalation of conflicts. Since, countries in more than one secret alliance should have been able to influence members with whom they are in allegiance, to prevent the declaration of war upon other countries with which they may also have a secret pact.


Countries within Europe during the early 1900 had a basic need to create and maintain fierce and effective armies to defend their vulnerable borders. There were also multiple internal hostilities between powers as they pursed their agenda of imperialism. Armies were given priority treatments and showcased by their leaders. Armies doubled in size and might and raced to gain superiority over the seas as Britain introduced The Dreadnaught and the Germans built their own battleships. The Russo-Japanese war, which saw Russia being defeated by Japan, brought major European powers to Russia’s defense. The outcome of this led to a change of thought among European countries, of the military might of Russia. This defeat, made Russia’s neighbours especially Germany and Austria-Hungary, underestimate its military might during WW1. A countries military is of extreme importance as seen is in overall outcome of the Russo-Japanese war.


Nationalism or the great feeling of pride within the citizens of a nation leads them to fight for and support the ideals of their country especially the cause of freedom and sovereignty. The Imperial powers with their strong armies, extending their borders and enslaved nationalistic groups, such as the Black Hand, which fostered independent national desires and carried out the assassin of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand. At the Congress of Vienna the main European allies redefined Europe’s borders and large areas of different peoples were cut off. ‘Pan Germanism and Pan Slavism was seen as a push towards the nationalistic natures of the inhabitants of the countries that were split due to Imperialism. Although Nationalism through the assignation of the Archduke and his wife lead to a declaration of war the ultimate desire by the countries who went to war was to regain lands and expand borders.

In reviewing WW1, even though supported by the body of evidence recorded in history, the question as to why the Archduke’s death was the excuse used to combine all the factors, which exploded into the war, is a continued debate. Imperialism was a source of contention among the major European world powers. Their military was the primary way to show off their power, which would initially lead to nationalism. Nationalism was also present in imperialism as this encouraged the desire to expand borders form secret alliances and colonize. Which arose out of the need for the best sources of raw materials for growing populations. Because of this, I still believe Imperialism is the single most significant factor contributing to the endless conflicts within Europe, which eventually ended with the First World War.