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How was imperialism one of the causes of World War I?

The late 1800s was the age of imperialism when many countries across Western and Eastern Europe were building their empires. However, in the early 1900s, such imperialism became increasingly difficult. Each of these countries wanted to ensure that it remained a power and also wanted to continue to grow larger. England wanted to preserve its Empire no matter what and "felt more and more threatened" by the German buildup; Russia "could not withstand another Balkin climb down"; Germany was fearful that it would break up its Habsburg Empire; France was losing population, "the Agadir Crisis of 1911 left France alarmed." All of these combined made war inevitable if the countries wished to preserve their present and future national interests.

Was there a connection between the system of treaty alliances and the outbreak of hostilities?

These above noted fears led to the countries building alliances with other nations, which jeopardized relationships with those nations that had long been connected. For example, when Germany negotiated a bilateral treaty of alliance with the Habsburg Empire in 1879, this essentially cut off Russia. This troubled Emperor Wilhelm because "the tsar was an old friend while the Habsburgs were a dynastic rival." The Triple Alliance, with Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary, agreed to go to war if attacked by Russia. The Three Emperor's League of Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia was formed in 1881 and agreed to keep neutrality if any of them went to war with another country. Russia and France formed an alliance, agreeing to call up troops if any nation in the Triple Alliance mobilized and to help each other if Germany attacked either of them. However, as is always the case with alliances, especially shaky ones such as these, they can help build strength, but they also create fear and animosity.

Impression of the Interwar Years

Although with hindsight, it is possible to see how actions could have been taken to keep World War I from occurring, at that time the situation was like a dry forest that just needed a small flame to start the devastating fire. All the countries who were involved with World War I were completely on edge and only needed a small spark to have them make disastrous decisions. Once things were set in motion, they could not stop. Because of this, millions of people lost their lives and the countries, ironically, lost their Empires.

Why was it called the Age of Anxiety?

The war did not only destroy the Empires. It also destroyed many people's hopes and dreams. No longer could individuals rely on their government as a means of strength and support. In addition, a questioning of life's meaning and a loss of religion and faith took away another major support that people had. They were left with anxiety and despair.