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ESSAY feedback 05/03/13

Causes, Practices and Effects of Wars

What causes wars?

Two sides to an explanation

• Factual and immediate: events, people, policies, reasons
• Conceptual and thematic: ideologies, concepts, internationalism, shared aims and reasons.

You need both in order to give a satisfactory explanation of the cause of a war.

Concept: An abstract idea; a general notion that can be applied to several or many events or situations.

Concepts / themes in history: Nationalism, Social reasons, political reasons, imperialism, colonialism etc

Essay:

• Be wary of absolutism: Every, all the time, ridiculous etc: these are big words, you can use them, but only if you show that their use is justified. Use examples, historians, events to support your big statement.
• History is never one sided, black and white or simple: History is the study of events and the INTERPRETATION of events.
• Historians are cool. Why? They have done the work for you. Get their take on situations, events and people and then USE it. But don’t just name drop, use their opinion to support your own.
• A cute kitten dies some where every time you write: majorly, hugely, massively!
• Don’t anthropomorphosise

Below are various introductions from people in the class. I need you to remain stony-faced and expressionless if your introduction is read out. No one needs to know which intro is which.

To what extent did Nationalism contribute to the origins of WW1?

• After the Industrial Revolution, nationalism had spread throughout continental Europe. With increased urbanisation, expansionism became inevitable, leading to the notions of colonialism and imperialism, which undoubtedly contributed to the social climate, allowing war to erupt. Nationalism can be considered a standalone cause of World War I, however, the complexities of the origins of World War One go much deeper, with the web of alliances leading to militaristic-minded nations and a series of crises made for a mood in Europe where war was unavoidable.

• Nationalism was a key contributor to the origins of World War I. While nationalism was the base, there are many other intertwining complex factors. To blame it on someone or something would be too simplistic and in accurate. Historian Gooch discusses this idea by saying "the belief any nation or statesman was the arch criminal in 1914 is no longer held by serious students of history. Nationalism in reference to the causes of World War I was at the base of all events. The strong sense of nationalism caused aggressive militarism and defensive alliances to be formed. Ultimately the origins can be seen as a collective responsibility of all powers.

• The nationalistic beliefs of the European powers played a substantial role leading to the causes of World War I. Essentially every country wanted to be the best, which resulted in disputes and tensions between nations. Nationalism was the fuel to the fire, as it was the reasoning behind much of what many nations did. It inevitably caused militarism and the arms race, as countries wanted to have great armies in order to be exhibited their power. Nationalism also caused imperialism as nations would seek colonies in order to fuel their ever-growing armies. Furthermore, it played a huge role in the social and political aspects of the war, such as public pressure, alliances, tensions between nations and crises. The attitudes and beliefs of nationalism did not solely cause the war, but provoked other factors that ultimately weather primary causes of World War I.

• The great war erupted in 1914 throwing much of Europe up into declared warfare. The causes of World War I are vast and complex but all originated from nationalism and nationalistic action. Nationalism underpins the leading and long-term causes of World War I, however alliances in the assassination of Franz Ferdinand call Stuart to stumble into war.

• Nationalism, although important as it acted as a catalyst, was no more so than the alliance system or imperialist rivalries. It was these three factors together that ultimately caused World War I.

•  Nationalism was great cause of World War I. Nationalism was a policy that many of the major powers followed in 1914. It was the aim to unify nations to create a patriotic belief in the country. Yet it was not the sole cause. Nationalism was the result of imperialism and social Darwinism. It was also followed by militarism and aided by alliances, which if without would have not created World War I. The defining cause of the war was the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in July 1914. Whilst nationalism was a great cause, it must be acknowledged that it was not the only cause.

• Since its outbreak in 1914, the true cause of World War I has been a cause for debate. Despite many different elements comes contributing to the start of the wall, nationalism was the root cause. Whilst nationalism was the key reason for war, other courses also formed to result in a great award. Even though nationalism was a large contributor in the origins of World War I, other key factors, Including militarism and the alliances also had a large impact.

• Nationalism contributed to the origins of World War I as a major part of social Darwinism. The belief of social Darwinism mainly by Germany, but also by many other nations played a major role in the outbreak of the war. The instability of the Balkan region provided the spark that was needed. Alliances between nations allowed a conflict to escalate to world War.

• Whilst nationalism played a key role in the outbreak of World War I other factors such as imperialism, militarism and alliances also contributed to its origins. Nationalism is a patriotically leaf by people in the virtues and power of the nation. Throughout Europe, the rise of nationalism created much tension between many countries, and it also contributed to rise of militarism and imperialism. However, the many alliances that were formed also played a crucial part in the outbreak of World War I

• Nationalism was a relatively new political ideology at the start of the 20th-century. The rise in effects of nationalism are both closely related and must both be addressed in order to fully understand the roles nationalism played in the first World War. Nationalism was definitely influential in the origins of World War I was only a secondary cause of war that exacerbated already exist the problems in Europe.

• World War I was fought between the major powers between 1914 1918. In this paper we will be discussing the role of nationalism in the walls causation and its impact on the other causative factors. These are the factors that will be discussed include militarism, the alliances between the great powers, imperialism/colonialism and the rapid economic Development and struggle between Britain and Germany. It is important to note that during the preceding years before the outbreak of the war, these factors wearing very much dynamic relationship and when constant state of movement and development. The paper will begin with a look at nationalism itself.