WWI: Rising Tensions

Build-up to the war There were many causes to WWII all centering around: nationalism, economic rivalry, and imperialism.

Nationalism Nationalism is having extreme pride for one’s nation. The first examples of nationalism appeared during the American and French revolution, and it soon spread across the globe. After Napoleon’s defeat, the Congress of Vienna redrew the map of Europe. Countries like Germany and Italy began to develop a clear national identity.

Nationalism In Germany, Otto von Bismarck became known as the iron chancellor. He used war, trickery, and propaganda to unify the German states. Many nations that belonged to the Ottoman Empire began to seek out independence as well.

Economic Rivalry / Militarism Germany and Great Britain led Europe in industrial growth, which gave them economic power, especially compared to less industrialized nations. This caused increased competition for materials and markets. Countries with a strong industrial base also had a high GDP, or gross domestic product. This meant they had money for things like territorial expansion and colony-building.

Economic Rivalry / Militarism The leading countries were Germany, Austria- Hungary, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, and France. Russia was slow to industrialize because their economy was based on agriculture and serf labor. Tsar Alexander II initiated emancipation, or freeing of the serfs, and focused on industrializing. These countries were also in an arms race. Many European countries were focused on militarism, the policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war.

Imperialism Imperialism is the policy of extending a country’s influence (politically, economically, or culturally) on another country. Many European countries began to spread their ideology because of economic motives, political and military missions, and spreading religious beliefs. As European nations grew stronger, other nations declined. For example, the slave trade and wars among African peoples, led to Western imperialism spreading in Africa and Asia. Westerners had stronger economies, governments, technology and overall manpower.

What’s going on in Africa? Due to the advancement of technology during the Industrial Revolution (i.e. medicine and steamships) more explorers and missionaries traveled to Africa, leading to the partition of Africa. North Africa, along the Mediterranean, was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, which was slowly declining. East Africa, the slave trade continued. Captives were marched from the interior to the coast to be shipped as slaves to the Middle East. Southern Africa, the Zulu empire emerged under Shaka. He encouraged rival groups to forget their differences.

Egypt struggles Egypt had broken away from Ottoman control. Governor, Muhammad Ali, began to modernize which encouraged western influence. Successors after Ali, failed to keep European influence out. They borrowed money to construct the Suez Canal, but were unable to pay off. Allowing Britain to sell shares of the canal.

Berlin Conference Berlin Conference (Congo Conference) – King Leopold II of Belgium hired Henry Stanley to explore the Congo River. Britain, France, and Germany were intrigued and began to explore colonizing as well. To avoid bloodshed, Otto Von Bismarck summoned these powers to Berlin to discuss the partition of Africa.

Boxer Rebellion Westerners gained trading rights in China through military force. The order of the righteous and harmonious fists, or the Boxers tried to stop foreign influence, and spread of Christianity in China. http://www.history.com/topics/boxer-rebellion/videos/sound-smart-the-boxer-rebellion