1: Imperialism and nationalism

Imperialism and Nationalism: Fueling the Flames of WWI

In the decades before World War I, two powerful forces—imperialism and nationalism—shaped Europe’s political landscape. They intertwined to create rivalries, ambitions, and resentments that made war more likely.

Nationalism surged in the 19th century, fueled by the idea that people sharing a common language, history, or culture deserved their own independent nation. While this drove unity in places like Germany and Italy (newly formed in 1871), it also bred instability in multi-ethnic empires. The Ottoman Empire (nicknamed "the sick man of Europe") controlled diverse Balkan territories like Serbia and Bosnia. Here, Slavic nationalism thrived, encouraged by independent Serbia and its ally, Russia. Groups like the "Black Hand" emerged, demanding Slavic freedom from Austro-Hungarian or Ottoman rule. This explosive mix made the Balkans a "powder keg"—where one spark could ignite wider conflict.

Meanwhile, imperialism—the race to build overseas empires—intensified tensions among Europe’s major powers. Britain, France, and Germany competed fiercely for colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Colonies provided resources (like rubber or minerals), markets for goods, and national prestige. Germany, a latecomer to empire-building, resented Britain and France’s vast holdings. Rivalries flared over territory: France and Germany nearly went to war twice (1905, 1911) over Morocco. Britain, fearing German naval expansion, allied with France and Russia.

These forces fed each other. National pride drove imperial expansion, while colonies became symbols of national strength. Yet imperialism created new friction points:

• Britain and Germany clashed over African lands and naval power.
• France sought revenge against Germany after losing Alsace-Lorraine in 1871.
• Austria-Hungary feared Slavic nationalism would splinter its empire, especially after Serbia’s growing influence.

By 1914, nationalism made populations eager to defend their nation’s "place in the sun," while imperial competition turned allies into rivals. When a Serbian nationalist assassinated Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914, these underlying tensions turned a regional crisis into a continent-wide war.