Militarism led to World War I by creating an environment of intense military buildup and competition among European powers, which increased tensions and made the outbreak of large-scale war more likely. In the early 20th century, countries like Germany, Great Britain, and Russia greatly expanded their armies and navies, engaging in an arms race and naval race that heightened rivalries and distrust
. This military buildup was not just about defense; it became a dominant national policy that subordinated other interests to the need for strong armed forces. Governments increased military spending, introduced or expanded conscription, and glorified military power, which fostered public support for war and made it easier for countries to mobilize quickly once conflict began
. Militarism also influenced public policy, especially in Germany and Russia, where the military had significant political power. The large standing armies and advanced weaponry made the idea of war more feasible and, paradoxically, more likely, because nations felt compelled to use their military strength to assert their interests or respond to threats
. The naval arms race between Britain and Germany exemplified this militarism, with both nations striving to outdo each other in naval power, further escalating tensions
. This competition fed into a broader culture of paranoia and rivalry among European powers, contributing to the complex web of alliances and hostilities that exploded after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914
. In summary, militarism contributed to World War I by:
- Encouraging an arms race that increased military capabilities and tensions among nations.
- Making war preparation a central national policy, thus normalizing the prospect of conflict.
- Creating large, ready armies that could be mobilized quickly, facilitating the rapid escalation of the July 1914 crisis.
- Intensifying rivalries and distrust through military competition, especially between Germany and Britain.
These factors combined with alliances, imperialism, and nationalism to make the war almost inevitable once the immediate trigger occurred
