Militarism, and the Alliance System. The assignation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand also contributed to
the war, but was more of a catalyst than a major cause. With tensions coming to a climax, the Triple
Entente, which consisted of the United Kingdom, Russia, and France, entered a war to fight the Triple
Alliance which consisted of Austria –Hungary, Germany, and Italy (Document A). What unfolded was
not a “romantic” war, but a bloody disaster.
Imperialism can be described as Britain’s tyranny, oppression, and exploitation inflicted upon
other countries. Germany soon grew tired of the oppression, to the extent that they published a cartoon
entitled: …show more content…
Germans felt that they were used and not rewarded for their labor. As
their hate grew for England, war erupted.
Militarism was another factor that led to the Great War. The chart, located in document C,
provides a visual representation of the extent to which the countries involved in World War One had
begun to build their armies and navies in the years preceding the war. It is clearly seen that the United
Kingdom had the largest navy; Germany viewed this as another way Britain used their power to unjustly
rule other countries. Germany has focused more in constructing a strong army rather than a navy.
Prudence would have me to note that it was necessary for the United Kingdom to have a massive navy
because of their marooned position. Nevertheless, Germany took this as a threat and counteracted by
forming a substantial military force.
The final factor that led to The War of the Nations was the alliance system. Document A provides
a map showing the alliances held between the countries. Due to their landlocked position, Germany
created an alliance with Austria- Hungary and Italy, forming the Triple Alliance. In response, the United
Kingdom, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente, an alliance between their countries.