Question: What was the leading cause of WWI?

World War I was one of the major wars the world has seen. It was a war which had an impact throughout Europe and the world, and will be remembered forever. The war involved many Europeans and other countries directly or in directly. There were many factors which led to the start of the war among them was imperialism, nationalism, alliances, militarism, and industrialization however in my opinion imperialism is the major factor which was the start and cause of World War I. It was because of imperialism that the other four factors nationalism, alliances, militarism, and industrialization formed in Europe and spread throughout the world. Unlike the other causes imperialism has a part in every. The definition of imperialism is “the policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations”.

Imperialism was introduced in Europe before the thought of a world war to break out, when industrial and scientific achievements began. It was not seen in all of the European countries at once though it did not take long for it to spread thru the continent. The countries that imperialism had its sudden influence on were the major empire in Europe at the time, Great Britain, Germany, France. Once started these countries rapidly advance in Europe, they became the strongest and best in everything. These ways were spread out all over Europe different countries were adopting the latest way to do things. Countries were competing against each other for different markets, which led to problems in Europe. Imperialism introduced industrialization countries to make themselves open markets, and to do trade not only in Europe but all over the world. Most of these countries economies were invested in foreign lands mainly in Africa at the time. This led to a lot of conflict in Africa over resources that the land had to offer, and who had conquered them first. Some of the key materials which helped developed countries were Rubber and Petroleum.

Once Europe’s economies were based in Africa tensions became serious problems. Since most countries were fighting over the same land war between countries was going to break out. Because of industrialization factories were creating advance weaponry and gun ships for their military, and this started Militarism. Different empires were fighting over everything when it came for their home land. The British and the German empires were fighting over who had the greatest navel military. When it came to land it again it was the British but this time competing with the French over who had more control in Africa. Many battles had taken place over these issues, and countries were supporting their armies the whole way with their factories. Militarism played a part towards world war one because it was about the military. These were the armies, and gun ships which would be fighting for their countries. But Militarism couldn’t have form alone without the help of industrialization the actual source of the equipment.

While this was happening in Africa, back in Europe events which had take place and had affect on the people. The Nationalistic idea was beyond doubt formed in Europe in these times. Citizens wanted to do anything for their country and monarchy. People would join the army, work in any of the factories, or do anything which would support the royals. Nationalism was seen in Europe when the when the heir to the Austrian-Hungarian Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, Serbia. Once this news was heard the Austrian-Hungarians people were outraged and would do anything to get their revenge against the Serbians. At the same time of Nationalism we saw Alliance’s of Europe take actions. When Franz Ferdinand was assassinated it created a chain reaction throughout Europe. Nationalism was very strong for revenge, the alliance took place from both sides getting ready for war for example Austrian-Hungarian empire was backed up by the Germans, Serbia was backed up by the Russians and the alliance go on. Since war was breaking out Militarism got involved, and since the army was getting ready to fight the factories were getting ready to built, which altogether meant the repeating idea of Imperialism.

However imperialism could not have accomplished the results of WWI on it’s on. One can say that if you were not going to say it would be imperialism, militarism would be the next immense factor. If it would not be for militarism there would not be a single war carried out though Europe, all there would be are arguments amongst countries. Without the armies of Europe if would have been impossible to have a result like WWI. Militarism also should leaders the strong armies amongst Europe. The central reason what made a country powerful was the size and power of your homelands country.

There are subsequently so many factors which have an affect on the question on what was the leading cause of WWI. Yet I am confident that my option clearly states that Imperialism was the leading cause. There are enough supporting details to support my answer because everything which happened, and had to do with this war led back to the source being Imperialism. If it was not for this countries in Europe would not have achieved so much as they did in the last century. Even so the alternative causes which I have mentioned in the essay also played a crucial role in WWI. However the actual origins of these causes lead back to Imperialism which could be the considered the reasons why WWI occurred.