Also, there is no alliance on behalf of evil so there is none against it. Dwarves, elves, and men act mainly for their selfish interests, often at cross-purposes, until a coalition is forced upon them by a goblin army hostile to all at the very end. Even then the issue is relatively localized and not worldwide in its ramifications." (Kocher 172) .
While Tolkien was growing up, there were no major events in England's history. In 1896 the British began their conquest of Sudan, finally succeeding in 1898. Also, the Germans began to expand their Navy. In 1900, The Commonwealth of Australia Act passes. In 1901, Queen Victoria died, and Prince Albert succeeded her and took on the name King Edward III (British History). The English government was acting out of its own interest. Much like Germany, South Africa, and Australia. There was really no cause for any countries to be united. .
However, In "The Lord of the Rings" there are clearly two opposing sides, good made up mainly of, men, dwarfs, and elves, and evil made up mainly of Goblins. All that .
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is evil is controlled by Sauron or as Paul Kocher would call him, the "nebulous Necromancer". All those who resist Sauron, formed an alliance because they all share a common goal and that is the destruction of evil.
In the first World War, often called the Great War, there were two main opposing forces. The Allies were made up of France, Britain, Russia, and The United States. The central powers were made up of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Turkey. The main causes of the war were the imperialist, territorial, and economic rivalries of the great powers.
"The Hobbit" was just a stage setter for "The Lord of the Rings" but the years before World War One were also just a stage setter. The similarities between these situations makes one think about how fantasy is just an exaggerated truth.
Tolkien was sent to fight in one of the most tragic battles in history, The Battle of Somme.