Militarism: The belief in maintaining a strong military capability and readiness for war, leading to an arms race among nations. It fostered the idea that military strength was essential for national security.
Alliances: Formal agreements between countries to support each other in conflict. Major alliances included the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain), which created a web of obligations that escalated regional disputes into a world war.
Imperialism: The policy of extending a nation's power through colonization and economic dominance. Competition for colonies, especially in Africa and Asia, increased tensions among European powers.
Nationalism: Intense pride and loyalty to one's nation, often accompanied by desires for independence or territorial expansion. In the Balkans, nationalism fueled ethnic tensions and conflicts, threatening stability.
1. What is an alliance system in the context of the causes of WWI?
2. What was the name of the revolutionary battleship launched by Britain in 1906 that sparked a naval arms race before World War I?
3. What was the primary role of the Alliances System in the context of pre-World War I Europe?
Causes of WWI — main factors?
Militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and assassination.
Militarism — role?
Promoted military buildup and readiness for war.
Alliances — effect?
Created web of obligations, escalating regional conflicts.
Causes of WWI — main factors?
Militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, assassination.
Militarism — definition?
Strong military belief, led to arms race.
Alliances — purpose?
Support countries in conflict, escalate tensions.
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