World War 1 was the result of several factors leading up to its commencement. The main source of conflict between nations that built up the tensions leading to war was imperialism. Imperialism is the spread of authority and power of a country over other countries. Though one cannot deny the presence of other influences such as nationalism, militarism, and secret alliances, imperialism was the milestone. As countries flourished industrially, the need for growth began. Imperialism was the cause of World War 1 due to the need for resources and their exploitation, market obtained through force, and expansion caused by invasion and colonization, which lead to global tensions.
With the advancement in technology and ability in these rising states, came a characteristic of imperialism, the need for new resources. These resources were obtainable outside of the countries themselves. With the opening of Africa in the late 1800’s, came the use of its resources to American and European advantage. The supply of rubber globally was limited, and the Congo provided much of it. Leopold enslaved the Africans in order to extract the rubber. Forced labor and over-use of foreign resources are evident signs of authority, and the strengthening of one’s nation at the cost of others. Leopold’s actions were clearly imperialistic.
The obtaining of more resources requires a larger market. In order to do this certain states had to be used for trade to be able to take place world wide, sometimes forcefully. Since Europe was using Chinese resources, it would be a benefit for it to be able to trade with China. China was uninterested, and tried to control its imports and exports, particularly of opium, leading to the Opium Wars. With their ending came the signing of the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which lead to the allowance of Europeans to settle within China without the influence of Chinese law. The result of all this was a free trade market between Europe and China. Europe acted imperialistically by imposing a treaty that would allow it to control trade, thereby spreading its influence.
As states grew in power due to the above factors, they were now able to expand more easily. The greed for land continued to increase, which would ultimately lead to increase in power. Expansion requires the forced authority over another country’s territory. Between 1885 and 1900 there took place a colonial race in Africa. Italy took hold of Ethiopia, as well as the Somaliland and Eritrea on the Red Sea. Portugal conquered vast sections of Angola and Mozambique. These imperialist actions secured Europe’s control over Africa.
In conclusion, because of the need of resources, market, and expansion, imperialism was the cause of World War 1. Through imperialism countries constantly fought for greater power, worldwide authority, more resources, greater markets, and additional land. This increased the tensions between countries everywhere. These tensions could only grow as time passed. Due to the state’s acts of imperialism, disagreements and clashes between nations amplified, leading to World War 1.
