The problem of nationalism was still unresolved in other areas of Europe, resulting in tensions both within the regions involved and between various European nations. One particularly important nationalistic movement, Pan-Slavism, figured heavily in the events preceding the war. The Pan-Salvism movement supported the union of all Slav people.6.
Along with nationalism, imperialism was another cause of World War I. According Encarta World English Dictionary imperialism has three definitions. It can be defined as the political, military, or economic domination of one country over another. The second definition is the policy of extending the rule or influence of a country over other countries or colonies. The third definition of imperialism is the extension of power or authority over others in the interests of domination .7 The industrial revolution in Germany caused a huge growth in production and created a high need of foreign markets. Germany wanted "a place in the sun" which means that Germany wanted to be rich and powerful like England.8 Germany competed with England and France for foreign markets in Africa. This resulted in several wars with France and England called the Moroccan Wars. Also, Serbia got prestige and some of its territory from disputes with countries in the Balkans. Serbia wanted to expand and become a powerful nation.
Military expansion was another reason for World War I. Germany wanted to have a strong navy like Britain and started to build up its navy. Then Britain built up and improved its navy to be better than the Germans. The European nations not only armed themselves for purposes of "self-defense," but also, so they would be prepared for a war. Political leaders everywhere in Europe realized that the great and ever-growing cost for protection would in time lead to national bankruptcy or to war.10 They made several efforts for worldwide disarmament, which failed. This resulted in countries forming alliances.
