The Causes and Effects of the First World War

Causes:

National Tensions in Balkans

German invasion of Belgium

Fighting into the Balkans

Imperialism-

• British concern over German growth

• British concern over German competition for colonies
• Economic rivalries among Britain, Germany and France
• British and French desire to contain German territorial claims in Africa

Alliances-

• Agreements among nations to aid each other if attacked

• Russian agreements with smaller Slavic nations
• Emergence of allies
• Emergence of central powers

Nationalism-

• French revenge against Germany

• French desire for return of Alsace and Lorraine
• Pan-Slavism in Eastern Europe
• German pride in military power and industrial growth
• Serbian desire to create south Slav state.

Militarism-

• Military power seen as symbol of national prestige

• Glorification of war by all powers
• Arms race among great powers
• Influential military leaders
• Belief in Social Darwinism

Effects:

Immediate Effects-

Enormous cost in living and money

Russian Revolution

Creation of new nations in Eastern Europe

Requirements that Germany pay reparations

German loss of its overseas colonies

Long Term Effects-

Economic impact of war debts on Europe

Emergence of the United States and Japan as important powers

Growth of nationalism in colonies

World War II