MAIN causes of WW1

May factors contributed to the beginning of World War 1 (WW1). There are 4 long-term reasons that helped fuel the beginning of WW1 Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism. These 4 long –term reasons can be abbreviated into the acronym MAIN. The First reason of MAIN is Militarism

Militarism is when a county builds up their armies and military forces to become stronger and have the ability to start a war. Militarism caused an army’s race between many European countries such as France and Germany with Armies and military forces that reach 4 million – 4.5 million soldiers each. Countries would build up their armies because of large dis-trust between each other and the impeding anxiety that they could launch an attack on an underdeveloped military country. There was also a Nave race between Britain and Germany as Germans felt Britain’s large navy was a threat, as the British had to maintain the large colonial area it had at the time hence the large navy.

The second long- term cause of MAIN was Alliances. There were two different alliances within the European countries these were the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. The triple Alliance consisted of the 3 main countries of Germany, Astro-Hungarian Empire, and Italy (Who later switched to the Triple Entente) Having allies of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) and Bulgaria.

While these countries made up the Triple Alliance the United Kingdom (The British), France and the Russian Empire made up the Triple Entente. They were allied by Serbia, Greece, Belgium, Portugal and Romania and Australia. These Alliances between the European countries had been made years and even decades before the war.

World War 1 was caused by the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand who was an Austro – Hungarian this then started a conflict between Austro – Hungary and Serbia as Austro – Hungary had placed threats against Serbia. This resulted in each counties allies coming in defence for each other creating WW1 otherwise called the Great war or The War to stop all wars.

The third long term cause of World War 1 in MAIN is Imperialism. Imperialism is where a stronger or larger country concurs or has control over a weaker nation / country. An example of the European countries and there need for Imperialism is the scramble for Africa where countries tried to gain more control over territory in Africa which created distrust and tension between the countries.

Competition between the countries grew larger as 1914 approached. An example of Imperialism at the time is Britain and France having had control over the largest regions of Africa during the scramble. Germany became angry because of their lack of colonies and control compared to the 2 European countries. There was rising tension and anger between Germany and France.

The final long-term cause of MAIN in Nationalism is where you believe that you country and other countries with similar beliefs and values think you are better or more dominate than other countries, it is having pride on where you come from and showing it. The Austro – Hungary Empire had a large impact in WW1 of Nationalism that helped start WW1 as they wanted more control