History
Introduction
The World War I was majorly caused by increased nationalism, military alliance and imperialism as countries tried to assert their power. The growth of Pan-Slav nationalism was a major triggering factor which drove the military alliances that sacked all European powers into the conflict. The attack of American interest by Germany in the sea was the major reason that made it to enter into the War. President Wilson’s efforts to have American join the Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations failed but formed the basis of nation’s diplomatic actions in the Northern Hemisphere.
Causes of World War 1
International military alliance at the onset of the 20th century that includes major nations against Boxer Rebellion in China served as an example of issues that led to the rise of World War 1. The murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a major aspect that made imperialism, alliances, nationalism and militarism come into play (Hamilton & Herwig, 2003). The assassination of the leader was in protest of Austria-Hungary control of the Bosnia region which Serbia wanted to take over. Russia had an alliance with Serbia, and thus, began mobilizing and the resulting declaration of war on Russia by Germany started the expansion of war. All the nations that were involved in mutual defense pacts were included in the war. Nationalism among the Slavic peoples across Herzegovina and Bosnia who wanted to part from Austria Hungary and be included in Serbia was therefore, a major cause of the war. France aimed at taking back Alsce Lorraine from Germany that it had taken during the Franco-Prussian war of 1871(Hamilton & Herwig, 2003).
Nationalism in the other nations in Europe and the military alliance not only started but expanded the war throughout Europe. Nationalism gave countries hope that they would aggressively win the war and this came with wanting more land. This led to imperialism where powerful nations ruled and exploited the smaller nations as their colonies. Nations were fighting for these colonies especially in Africa, and this led to the rise of militarism as the race for arms and naval powerful ranged (Sammis, 2002). Military expansion was also accelerated by deteriorating diplomatic relations which saw Germany, France and Britain increase their standing forces. The increased military rivalry especially between Britain and Germany at sea led to more cooperation among nations in the same camp. Due to armaments race, every European power was ready to go to war by 1914 (Sammis, 2002).
Nationalism in European countries arose from Enlightenment thinking among the people regarding equality and freedom, and related political revolution and reforms through which people who had been excluded in the past gained a voice. The growth of nationalism among Slav in Balkans was a major aspect that led to more tension in the European region. The Slav nationalism and Pan-Slavist ideas raised the concerns of policy makers in Russia which had a long-standing defense alliance with Serbia, and called for stern action against Austria-Hungary (Bew, John. 2015). The end of the resulting 1912-1913 Balkan Wars came with more attention being paid to Austria-Hungary actions by Russian leaders. The annexation of Bosnia by Austria-Hungary instigated the Serbs anger, and this possibly le to building of a crisis between the nations which in reality did not exist. There was an escalation of nationalism on both sides which resulted to creation of potential crisis which finally came after Franz Ferdinand was assassinated as aforesaid. The nationalism in Serb Slavic people played an important role on the ensuing violence (Bew, John. 2015). The people who perpetrated the action were driven by the desire for more Serbian greatness in this region. The military alliances in the region came into play at this moment, more so German’s pact with Austria-Hungary that gave permission for carrying out retaliatory attacks against Serbia. The Russian support for Serbia increased the tensions and established the situations that encouraged the break out of war. That major powers feared the expansion of military might in the region served as a major for the rise of the war (Ertl, 2008).
As war was ranging in Europe, the United States under President Woodrow Wilson leadership adopted a neutrality policy, a move that was welcomed by many Americans. The presidents called for the people to remain “impartial in thought as well as in actions” (Dudley, 1998). A significant number of American citizens emigrated from European countries or their parents were immigrants from Europe and abstaining from the conflict was a relief to many. Wilson’s hope of staying out of the conflict as an impartial party was comparison by Germany’s attempt to quarantine the British Isles, but Britain was a close trading partner with Britain (Dudley, 1998). Britain, having the best navy force in the world, blockaded German’ ports which reduced the US trade with other central nations to almost none in 1916 from about $170 million in 1914. The allies on other hand were in need of United States manufactured goods and since Britain could control the sea, it would access them (Dudley, 1998).
In 1915, Germany announced warfare against any ship whether neutral or not if it entered war zones near Britain. A month later, William P. Frye, an American vessel transporting goods to England was sunk by German Cruiser which infuriated President Wilson but German apologized for the attack calling it unfortunate mistake (Dudley, 1998). However, the attack on Lusitania vessel on May 1915 killing 1,201 passengers including 128 nationals under the claim of ferrying war munitions and the sinking of U-boat alongside 27 Americans started changing public opinion In US against Germany. Another sinking of U.S. ships lead to declaration of War by the Senate which was endorsed by the House of Representatives, and American entered WWI (Dudley, 1998). In addition, the financial assistance to the allies in forms of credit made America to be more entwined in the alliances which drew them closer joining the war. The trade relations with Britain made many Americans and President Wilson more sympathetic with the allies and U.S. new that it would have to join them or separately fight against German in future. Wilson thought that Britain was fighting on behalf of Americans (Dudley, 1998).
The American’s contribution to the war was in terms of ammunitions and fresh solders which helped to counter Germany’s special advantage, and the Germans were demoralized. The presence of fresh solders also allowed France and Great Britain’s to carry offensive operations needed in expulsion of German forces from occupied regions (Kennedy, 2004). The war ended with creation of Treaty of Versailles that was signed on June 18, 1919, through which the Allied nations reassigned German boundaries reparations liability. Many questions arising from the treaty regarding war propaganda led to increasing dissent. President Wilson’s presented the treaty to the Senate where it was defeated which was followed by political isolationism (Kennedy, 2004). As the War came to an end, Wilson presented a plan for peace and outlined fourteen points aimed at having a safer world. His proposal for League of Nations meaning an International Organization consisting of nations from all over the world did not see light of day as some in Senate saw the idea as limiting American determination of its affairs. However, throughout 1920s and early 1930s, American advanced diplomatic mission to gain limited disarmament and thus, maintain peace across nations. Due to debts issues, the U.S. remained active regard to affairs of Western Hemisphere (Kennedy, 2004).
Conclusion
Nationalism was the major factor that led to military alliance and imperialism as each nation set to assert its power and identity. American’s entrance into WWI was drive by threat to its own interests, but the step led to earlier defeat of German by the allies and thus, the end of war.
References
Hamilton, R. F., & Herwig, H. H. (2003). The origins of World War I. 16-20
Ertl, A. W. (2008). Toward an understanding of Europe: A political economic précis of continental integration. Boca Raton, Fla: Universal Publishers.
Bew, John. 2015. Realpolitik: a history.61-69
Dudley, W. (1998). World War I: Opposing viewpoints. San Diego, Calif: Greenhaven Press. 60-67
Kennedy, D. M. (2004). Over Here: The First World War and American Society. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA.
Sammis, K. (2002). The twentieth century. Portland, Me: J. Weston Walch. 17-25
