Long Term Effects of Ww 1

There are both long term and short term causes of ww1, as we are talking about before 1912 it is the long term cause that will be looked at which go back 50 years and more. The causes are complex and a lot of them are closely linked. There is debate between historians about which causes are more important but they all play a part. There are five main long term factors; these are the rivalry between Britain and Germany, rivalry between France and Germany, rivalry between Austria- hungry and Russia, the alliance system and militarism.

Both Britain and Germany were dominant powers, industrially and economically. Before the 1870's both Britain and Germany were on good terms. They fought France, both of their royal families were closely related, their relationship was on good terms.

There are three main reasons as to why their relationship became strained. Firstly was economically, in 1870 Britain was the dominant industrial power in Europe and in the world. By the 1900's Germany had caught up with them, both of the governments had noticed this situation and wanted to protect both of their positions. Britain became anxious as Germany had become very keen and caught up with her. However the British Empire gave Britain the edge.

Another reason why their relationship was strained was imperial rivalry. The British Empire had been built up over 300 years; it took up 25% of the globe. It was the biggest empire; the phrase 'sun never set on the empire' gives you the idea of how big the empire really was. However the German empire was the complete opposite to the British Empire. It was small and insignificant and only in 1870 did it begin to develop overseas. Colonies were vital to an empire because economically it provided raw materials and resources such as metals, minerals, rubber etc. It could import food and export goods to sell and make more money so it was good for trade. It was good militarily as it could reserve man power for war. Lastly it was a political advantage as it was a status symbol and it showed power.

It is important to realise the dynamic here, Germany was the new comer and was aggressive and expansive and Britain was the greatest imperial power.

The final reason as to why their relationship became strained was because of naval rivalry. Naval power was extremely important to Britain. It would defend the homeland, protect and maintain the empire, Britain's navy was the biggest and most powerful in the world, and it was bigger than the next two navies added together. Germany started to develop their navy from the 1890's, she wanted to protect and extend its colonies, raise its status, dent Britain's dominance and also Germany feared Britain because of her power. By 1914 both Britain and Germany were locked into a set of rivalry, economically, naval and politically.

Another factor that caused tension between the great powers was the rivalry between France and Germany. France and Germany were seen as traditional enemies. Most of the problems between them came from the Franco-Prussian war between 1870 and 1871. The French were crushed by Prussia and the war was over in months so it was very short. The armies were defeated in a series of battle; Paris was then seized until France surrendered. The result of this war was that Prussia was seen as the best in Europe, the king unified all the German states into Germany (Reich). France lost Alsace and Lorraine who were the wealthy part of France;