Word count: Date: 23/09/2011

Li Chun Ho (Alvin) IB History HL

Essay Question: Evaluate the relative importance of imperialism, the arms race and the failure of diplomacy in causing the First World War. Although the First World War was waged by the substantial construction by the expression of imperialism, the apprehensive arms race and the woeful disregard shown to maintain amicable relationships mainly because of colonial rivalry between European countries, one must say these inferences stem from broader concepts that ultimately caused the war. Colonial rivalry led to imperialism, enforced with the necessity of natural resources, a part of Weltpolitik. This began the naval race with British Dreadnoughts that patrolled her colonies. This, along with dividing alliances, started by the signing of the Entente Cardinal, began the arms race. It appears the three factors had limited roles which were derived from larger concepts. These were only long-term causes, and consideration into events of a sudden short nature, such as the July Crisis, needs to be made. The Weltpolitik seems to combine the three factors in influencing war. For imperialism, Germany tried to intervene in the Moroccan Crisis using diplomacy methods. Kaiser Wilhelm set up an international conference in Morocco amid French desire for influence over the country. This was backfired by when Britain supported French actions. He had wanted to show greater control over other countries decision makings. Wilhelm seems to be bridging connections with smaller countries that have the potential of becoming colonies of Germany. During the Second Moroccan Crisis, a German gunship was deployed to Moroccan waters, namely to protect German citizens. This increased German involvement African affairs. However, Imperialism refers to many ideas, not only colonial rivalry. Its deep link with Nationalism and the popular enthusiasm for an empire may have further laid the path to war. Colonial rivalry was possible only because of great support in capitalistic interests, in a winner-takes-all economy. Colonial rivalry deteriorated relationships between European countries, dividing them into two opposition groups. These conflicts escalated through capitalist interests in collecting natural resources from colonies. The pursuit of such was highlighted by the fact only 10% of Africa was colonized in 1880 which increased to 90% of the entire African continent in 20 years. Except Austria and Russia, all European countries had African colonies by 1900. This sparked great conflicts between states. Germany and France argued over Morocco and West Africa, and disputes between Britain and Russia over Persia and Afghanistan devastated their relationships. In this sense, colonial rivalry greatly contributed in the First World War. Such disputes made working relationships between the European countries impossible. They became reasonable only in fighting for natural resources. For this reason, failed diplomacy methods predominantly lie in the conflict of colonial interests. This was unlikely to happen without colonial rivalry. Militarism was inevitable as countries had to defend their colonies. This was followed by the naval arms race between Britain and Germany, over the latters construction of replicating British Dreadnoughts. This did not appear to have fuelled the arms race, but rather was interpreted as the worse deterioration between German and British relations since their colonial disputes. Strong public support that led to nationalism, which in turn influenced militarism, came about 1910s when colonial rivalry turned into wars. This is symbolized in the Bosnian Crisis in 1908, where Austria and Russia agreed to extend Austrias right of annexation to include Bosnia and Herzegovina, in turn giving Russian navy accessibility stretching to the Mediterranean Sea from the Black Sea. However, 1

Word count: Date: 23/09/2011

Li Chun Ho (Alvin) IB History HL

Essay Question: Evaluate the relative importance of imperialism, the arms race and the failure of diplomacy in causing the First World War. Serbia protested for as the arrangement would remove an accessible route to Serbia from the sea. Strong Russian public opinion supported the Serbs, leading to a diplomatic argument. When it was unresolved, Serbia threatened war, leading to Germanys change of decision. Tension escalated in the Second Balkan Crisis leading Germany to become protector of Turkey, who supported Serbia. This in a way encouraged the beginning of Europes separation into two sides. The Alliance system strengthened the positions of countries in colonial rivalry which soured relations. Britain and Frances Entente Cordial signing on colonial differences was an example of great diplomacy. However, it encouraged greater divide between countries, as an assurance that Britain would help France if attacked by Germany. With Russia joining the two, this ironically led to what Kaiser Wilhelm feared the most; that Germany was in the group of 2, instead of the group of 3. This in turn influenced militarism, the public support for the buildup of the army. With a prominent Alliance system set in stone, with Germany fixed mobilization plans despite which their foe or friends were among building militarism, war was aided by short-term triggers that enabled countries want to gain more territory. This was taken in the form of the July Crisis 1914, where Archduke Ferdinard of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in a visit to Bosnia. After further failed diplomacy efforts, by ultimatums and demands, War was waged after their unsuccessful attempts. Therefore, by any measure, it seems in order for imperialism, the arms race and failed diplomacy attempts to have played a major role; other bigger concepts had to occur. Imperialism itself was a concept; however it was influenced by capitalism and public support. This came about in response to Germanys Weltpolitik. Great capitalist interests led to colonial races, which disrupted relations within the European continent. With greater divergence, signing of neutrality agreements and obligations inevitably divided Europe into two sides. The arms race followed the alliance system, and for a while it encouraged military build-up amid the Balkan Wars. The Balkan wars to some margin influenced the July Crisis, and trapped with poor relations, war was waged. Hence, the three factors had a large domination in creating World War One, however bigger ideologies had to exist with short term events in order for war to have been declared.