Imperialism led to territorial power struggles over colonies between different European countries. Whether these colonies where in Asia or Africa, the fight over territorial expansion led to World War 1. Imperialism allowed countries to gain more resources, economic spheres, manpower and overall global power. Nationalism was on the rise as well, for example the German Empire united in 1871 under the Kingdom of Prussia. This allowed the German populace in Europe to come together and live in one proud country. Nationalism invoked patriotism to ones country. This meant a citizen were to fight and defend for their country. World War 1 was the first major global conflict that effected not just hundreds or thousands, but millions of lives around the World.
Key factors:
Imperialism: Growth of territory, Manpower, Strategic resources, Global dominance.
Nationalism: United people creating bigger countries (for example The German Empire), Patriotism, fighting for ones country.
These factors played a massive role in between all the countries that participated in World War 1
More examples:
Japan:
-Imperialism: Ambitious for more land and took over German colonies in South East Asia
-Nationalism: patriotism was growing during the modern development of Japan and Japan had won the Russo-Japanese war.
Britain:
-Imperialism: Britain had the biggest colonial Empire and wanted to defend it from German aggression.
-Nationalism: Propaganda had convinced the British masses to fight against Germany and protect their island nation.
Italy:
Imperialism: Italy had invaded Ottoman Libya in 1912 to gain territorial expansion in Africa.
Nationalism: Italy unified in 1870 during the movement of Risorgimento which united the Italian people
France:
Imperialism: Had colonies in North Africa and Asia which were very resourceful for the country and allowed them a greater amount of man power for the military.
Nationalism: German aggression was a major threat to France as they had built the Maginot Line. France also Lost the Franco-Prussian War leaving a common sour taste for the newly united German Empire
United States:
Imperialism: The United States had made a colonial Empire itself as well by owning many islands in the Pacific and the Philippines in South East Asia.
Nationalism: The Americans joined the war in 1917 due to German U-boats sinking American ships in the Atlantic, the Zimmerman Telegram and close ties with Britain. This factors led to American patriotism that rallied against the Central Powers.
