Imperialistic Rivalries and the Road to the First World War

There is an extensive focus on imperialism and its contribution to the emergence of the war. Imperialism, according to the chapter, was the basis for national relations of the time. The tide had turned to a situation where the individual associated himself with the needs and interest of the nation at large, rather than personal endeavors. Such a description of imperialism clarifies reasons why the war was accepted, rather than it being met by mass hostility. The chapter, however, seems to focus extensively on the definitions of imperialism and its relation and non-relation to nationalism and colonialism. Its importance in shaping the foreign relations of 1815 is, in contrary to the author’s statements, overemphasized. This

The focus on expansion and colonialism is information that the textbook delves into very sufficiently, therefore the chapters focus on it heightens ones understanding of the extent to which World Politics grew, from such expansionist principles, becoming an initiating factor in the war. Given that the aim of the chapter is to give a concise but accurate overview of the situation pre-1914, it does well to eradicate unnecessary detailing of events that linger in the textbook.

The struggle for colonies and military bases headed national interest, which soon led to oppositions and alliances. The author’s explanation of the need for many powers to expand and explore isolated lands in Africa and the pacific goes to somewhat support the two alliances that rose prior to the outbreak of war. A clear example is his discussion of the rivalry between Great Britain and Germany, which seemed to have erupted out of Germany’s unexpected emergence as a major colonial power and main player in traditional areas of British trade. Such information established some important reasons for the establishment of the Triple Entente between Great Britain, Russia and France against the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria and Italy.

The chapter, however, fails to cover in-depth, such reasons, which creates a vast gap in clearly understanding why these two alliances were formed with various countries pitting against each other. Great Britain and Italy had been free agents prior to the fall of international relations in Europe, therefore, should be prominent in any account of its outbreak. Britain as explained, was more concerned with the growth of Germany and Russian expansion rather than competition that it’s neighbor, France, gave it in accessing colonies. Britain therefore felt that support with France would ulti

Some topics in this essay:
Lowell Ragatz’s, World Politics, German Schlieffen, French Congo, World War, Britain France, Triple Entente, Morocco German, Britain Germany, Austria Italy, entry war, prior outbreak war, one’s knowledge, moroccan crisis, influence morocco, triple alliance, prior outbreak, triple entente, britain russia, outbreak war, international relations,