To what extent was Imperialism the key cause of World War One ?
The 19th century was witness to some incredibly powerful and far reaching change. By the late 19th century not only had the geo-political face of Europe radically changed, but the forces of Nartionalism, Imperialism and Militarism were influencing events that would ultimately lead up to the outbreak of the Great War. Imperialism can be defined as ‘the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies’. This could be taken to include events within Europe itself, as much as those on the edge and outside European boundaries. However, the varied significance of each of these forces’ role in causing the Great War, notably the role of Imperialism, can be debated.
Imperialism was, in a number of ways, a significant cause of WW1. Much of the change in general European relations can be dated to the implementation of Weltpolitik. As Germany moved towards the more aggressive and expansionistic attitudes under Wilhelm II’s chancellors, many European countries began to fear Germany’s intentions and feel antagonistic towards her. Britain in particular felt threatened due to the competition created by the naval race. This was triggered by the need for Germany to create a sizeable fleet to support her globall Imperial ambitions, but challenged the British desire to keep her hegemony over the seas. Combined with the careless support that Wilhelm II gave to the Boers, and the faux pas he made in the Daily telegraph affair, led to Britain resolving her imperial disputes with France, and to her agreeing to an entente. The testing of this entente in Morocco by Germany only further served to cement the entente. By taking Britain away from her Splendid Isolation, and the creation of the entente, Germany only served to make herself feel even more surrounded and threatened. A second key aspect of imperial dispute that would ultimately lead to war can be found in the Balkans. Austro-Hungarian and Russian imperial designs on the Balkans, their attempts to expand their control into the region, were very significant in leading to war. The Balkans itself would be scene of the Great War’s trigger event. As the Eastern Question had left a power vacuum in the area, the resulting rivalry between the two powers was bound to lead to clashes, though these would have remained localized had it not been for the Alliance system, though this in itself was the result of Nationalism and the changing geo-political situation in Europe. Overall it is clear that imperialism played a strong role in creating some important tensions, but perhaps of greater importance were those connected to nationalism.
