In the 20th century the world was faced with the two World Wars. They both started in Europe but affected everyone in the world. There were many factors that contributed to the wars, but there are some that stand out. For example, that led to World War I and World War II, but the most important ones were alliances, imperialism and nationalism.
Alliances of countries in Europe and the world were one of the causes that contributed to the first and second World Wars. Countries during this time wanted to be in alliances due to the fact being in an alliance would help them in military and economically. During World War 1 there were two major alliances one was named the Allies which consisted of Great Britain, France, and Russia. The Allies went up against the Central powers which included Germany, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary. However, during World War 2 there were also two main alliances which were the Allies against Germany, Japan and Italy. The Alliance arrangement made the war expand from a regional conflict into a global war. Alliances caused a lot of tension and anxiety between nations, because countries grew suspicious of the intentions of the alliances. Both World Wars had alliances but the difference was that there were different countries in WWI and in WWII but they served the same purpose. The formation of alliances were one of the causes for both World Wars.
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Another main factor that helped contribute to both World Wars was imperialism. Imperialism is when a nation or empire expands their territory by Invading other civilizations and conolising them. Before World War 1 a lot of European countries wanted to expand their empire by colonising places like Asian and African countries, due to the fact colonies can provide an empire with cheaper materials. With that being said the particular reason for imperialism causing the World Wars was that countries would be jealous over other nations success. For example Germany wasn't pleased with the amount of countries they've colonised because they did not have as much as other european countries at the time. This actively demonstrates the fierce competition each country had in order to take over countries. On the other hand imperialism also played a huge role in World War II. The Germans and Italians wanted to take over eastern Europe while the Japanese also wanted to take over neighbouring Asian countries. To sum everything up that has been stated so far imperialism did play a huge role in both World Wars. European nations like the central powers fought long and hard to colonise and take over countries while the Allies fought to stop them from taking over Europe. Both World Wars had imperialism but during World War I Most of Europe were consoling countries but colonization reduced drastically when World War II came around.
Finally, Nationalism was another significant factor and cause that led to both World Wars. Nationalism is all about loyalty and pride for one's country. This extreme sense of pride causes a nation to be very sensitive about their country and they will react violently to anything criticism or threat. The sense of Nationalism was very important in Germany in both World Wars. Germany wanted to be superior to other countries. According to World War One Facts The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28th of 1914 is the event that sparked WW1. The Slavs killed Franz Ferdinand because they were motivated by nationalism to unite the area called Greater Serbia. That assination due to nationalism was a major cause for the start of WWI. After this assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand this made a lot of the major European military powers angry and less willing to work differences out peacefully. Nationalism in World War II however was more about Germany being the superior race and group of people. Hitler desired a strong government and military that was part of his ideology. Hitler through nationalism changed Germany like no other and convinced the majority of the population especially the younger generation into nationalists and extremists. On the other hand, Nationalism was different in both World Wars. In WWI the assassionation of Franz Ferdinand provoked a response, while in World War II the Nazi ideology was the reason behind Nationalism which was a major cause for second World War.
Conclusion
In conclusion there were many reasons for both World Wars but, the most important ones were alliances, imperialism and nationalism. Due to all these reasons the war started in Europe but then affected everyone in the world.
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WW1 and WW2 Similarities and Differences.
(2022, November 25). Edubirdie. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/differences-and-similarities-between-world-war-1-and-world-war-2/
“WW1 and WW2 Similarities and Differences.” Edubirdie, 25 Nov. 2022, edubirdie.com/examples/differences-and-similarities-between-world-war-1-and-world-war-2/
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2022 Nov 25 [cited 2024 Dec 22].
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