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Militarism can refer to several things, all of which were prevalent in Europe in the years before 1914. For example:

• A society might be considered to be 'militarist' if the military classes play a major role in the development of government policy

• It can refer to a society in which the military is given respect and honour about other groups in society

• It can also relate to the sort of government that maintains a high level of military preparedness, and that might show a willingness to pursue its aims by military means or the threat of military means

Imperialism was not a direct cause of the war, imperial conflicts added to tension and suspicion. it encouraged naval expenditure and the pursuit of allies. it was a factor that promoted extreme nationalism.

By the early 1900’s European powers had carved up the world and created empires throughout the

world. Britain had control of almost quarter of the world’s population, France controlled large parts

of South East Asia and Africa. Centuries old empires such as the Ottoman and Russian were in

trouble, even as more recent empire builders such as Germany and Belgium were trying to expand

and exploit people overseas. Conflict would occur as newer powers such Germany became rivals

with older powers such Britain, but also tensions were arising with Empires with ethnic groups

wanting independence.

Discuss

• What tensions were being created by imperialsim?

• What does the map show?

Nationalism came to mean different things to different peoples. 

• In Western Europe, nationalism was associated with the nation state. In this sense, nationalism can be equated with patriotism, a love of one's country. This explanation could be applied to France, Spain and Britain. 

• Nationalism could be seen as pride in one's country's achievements and an unquestioning loyalty to that country. This was the case in Germany. 

• Nationalism also existed for people who did not have a country (Slavs, Poles, Czechs). For these groups, nationalism meant a feeling of national consciousness, a feeling of belonging to a national group, race or culture. 

• From the 1880's, the Pan-German movement appeared in Germany. This movement sought to bring all German speaking peoples together. In the east, the Pan-Slav movement sought to the same for the Slav peoples, under the leadership of Russia.

• In the 20th C, nationalism would become closely associated with notions of racial superiority in some countries, notably Germany. 

Of the 4 M.A.I.N. reasons for the cause of WWI, evaluate which factor contributed most to the outbreak of WWI? Refer to at least 1 source below.

8 marks

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