Imperialism And Nationalism

What is imperialism?

Imperialism is a system in which a country has higher power over other countries, sometimes using force to surrender nations. In most cases the higher order country known as the “mother country” establishes control over colonies and smaller nations using political pressure, war and infiltration techniques; usually maintaining military presence over time.

What is nationalism?

Nationalism is one’s loyalty to a country in an attempt to become independent. All nationalist countries place their homeland interests above those of separate countries. Politicians, royal powers and diplomats of WW1 possessed a nationalism mindset.

How did nationalism contribute to causing WW1?

Nationalism was a new trend that swept across Germany which sparked their unification in 1871. The up swell in German patriotism together with the anger and resentment felt by German nationalists to empire sparked the attempt to take over the empire. Nationalism was also experienced in southern European nations as some minorities wanted independence. Nationalism also created some superior thoughts about the military might of the Great powers. Britain believed that their naval powers and economic greatness would give them the upper hand in warfare. Britain asserting their dominance made Germany jealous causing an international arms race which later on turned into a war.

How did imperialism contribute to causing WW1?

The European nations had may empires leading up to the events of world war 1. The empire was by far the biggest extending over 5 continents. This saw the European powers clamber to colonise parts of Africa most of which were taken over with ease. The main rivals involved in the “Scramble for Africa” were France, Germany and Britain.

Explain how ethnic groups gaining independence form the Austro- Hungarian Empire contributed to World War 1.

The Bosnians, Serbs and the Croats wanted independence from Austria- Hungary. When the Archduke was assassinated the Austrians turned to Serbia for answers. Russia had already been supporting the separation of Bosnia-Herzegovina from Austria-Hungary and the Serbians wanted to form with Bosnians and Croats to make their own nation. The nations felt a disconnect towards Austria-Hungary having a different cultural, ethnic and historical backgrounds. Since a Serbian man killed the Archduke, the rush to war between Serbia and Austria-Hungary dragged in the former ally Russia starting the great war.

How are nationalism and imperialism linked?

Nationalism is ones overwhelming pride for their country. The way nationalist countries present them selves is by spreading there message and ways through other countries. This is done by taking over colonies and small countries, otherwise known as imperialism. Part of a nationalist creed is to expand their boundaries until they have total control and say over others. The capturing of countries is just a natural event that follows on. The connection between imperialism and nationalism is just a case of inserting a countries dominance by controlling the land and changing it culture.