Table of Contents
In conclusion
Counterargument 1: Alliances
Counterargument 2
World War 1 took place in 1914-1918. But how did this terrible war begin? Although there are many causes of The Great War and other factors, it is primarily caused by nationalism. Nationalism is a very extreme form patriotism. It involves feeling superior to other nations. It is also a loyalty to one’s nation. How did Nationalism lead to WW1?
History Home, a website on English History managed by Marjie Boy, a qualified historian, states that nationalism in Europe created fierce competition and rivalry during the early 1900s. These countries were Britain, Russia, France and Germany. These nations fought for the right to be the most powerful and militarily strong. The competition created tension among the nations. This is a direct link to the concept and definition of power. Every nation wanted to be the strongest, so they fiercely competed to get it. The Austria-Hungary Empire was plagued with nationalism. The empire was made up of many ethnic groups. This was problematic because many wanted independence but also hated each other. All nationalities in the Empire were required to be treated equally politically and culturally. The nationalist rivalry within the different nationalities escalated eventually. The Austrian empire faced another problem with the rise of the south Slav nationalism among Slovenes, Croats and especially the Serbs. The rapid growth of Serbian power made the empire feel extremely threatened and they agreed to destroy it. This is a link to the concept o f choice. The Austrian empire chose to attack Serbia because they felt Serbia was more powerful than them. This led to tension between both countries. The nationalism eventually led to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand by a Serb, which ultimately resulted in WW1.
Many historians, as well as sources, agree that Nationalism is a major factor in WW1. Alpha History is an example of such a website. It was created by several ex-or current historians and Lawrence Rosenthal. Alpha History’s advantage is that it’s managed by experts in the field. However access to data could have proved difficult because of this limitation. Alpha History explained to us that citizens of great nations believed their nation was culturally, economically, and militarily superior. Popular culture and the media spread rumors about other nations and their evil intentions. They also exaggerated the nation’s power, military strength, and successes. People became overconfident about their country, government, military power, and eventually, their nation’s ability to win war. Their nation would be portrayed by the media as innocent, fair, and righteous. The media would portray other nations as evil, manipulative, and aggressive. This only led to hatred and anger among citizens towards their rivals.
Nationalism said that War was necessary but easily won. Lawrence Rosenthal is a historian, but his opinions are based on his limited knowledge. He said that nationalism involved the intense emotions that characterise human relationships at lower sociological levels. He called nationalism: aggression outwards, loyalty inwards. This meant that your fierce loyalty to your country could turn into a fierce hatred for your enemies. (
Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, some claim that the main cause of war was naval rivalry. A student/Tutor studying history at university claims that the naval conflict began because of German nationalism. German nationalists believed that if they built a larger navy, it would make Britain look less powerful and help Germany gain more colonies in Africa. Britain felt threatened by Germany’s plans of building a bigger navy. This led to tensions between the countries. This is a link to Change & Choice. By choosing to build a bigger navy, it altered the relationship between Britain & Germany. Germany made this choice to prove themselves to Britain superior by building a bigger navy. Britain was worried about what would happen. The decision was made and it caused tension between the nations. Jamie Cawley, a writer, said that nationalism meant that individuals would compete with each other. This was the main reason that Europe is competitive (in other terms militarism) and that has led to WW1.
Conclusion: Nationalism was the primary cause of WW1. It created tension among nations, nationalities, and countries. Nationalism was also the primary reason for many of these issues that ultimately led to The great War.
Counterargument 1; AlliancesWhile it may be true that many countries participated in WW1, the origins of the alliances was nationalism. A German military writer called General Friedrich von Bernhardi wrote about a triple alliance in 1914. He explained to us that Germany and Austria-Hungary formed a alliance because Austria had a lot to do with German history. Also, nationalism made Germans extremely loyal to their country. His historical perspective is limited in that he only discusses the German and Austrian Alliance. He also emphasizes the importance of the historian’s expertise because he was alive at the time. He also stated that they had a common language. The Germans were the backbone and union of the Austrian territories. This can be linked back to Identities & Relationships. Because of their similarities, Germany and Austria shared a great relationship. It is clear that this means that alliances would not have been possible without nationalism.
Counterargument #2: The spark. The spark is what caused the outbreak WW1. But, nationalism would have prevented it from happening. Alpha History says this was due to the nationalist movement by Slavic groups within the Balkans. Slavic nationalism ruled Serbia. Pan-Slavism, the belief that Slavics should have their nation, was very popular in Serbia. Young people from Serbia joined radical nationalist groups such as the ‘Black Hand’ after Vienna annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina. Black Hand groups hoped to create an all-Slavic state. One of these radical nationalist organizations planned the assassination Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It was this act that triggered World War 1. The assassination was triggered by nationalism. It would not have happened, so nationalism is more important that the assassination. This can be linked with the concept of Change, as young Serbs started to take action after the Annexation. It is clear that Nationalism has caused people to be more determined and changed their minds about freedom.
