IMPERIALISM 2
what was the cause of imperialism and how did its effects lead to WW1 and WW2?
Imperialism by definition is the act of extending dominion and power, especially
through gaining economic and political control or territorial acquisition of other areas. Europe
before WW1 was a continent which had six separate and competing empires, and all pursued
the same things; power resources and land. Britain had extended its empires over five
continents (BROWNE, 2014). France, on the other hand, had control of a large area in Africa.
Germany, as a result, increased rivalry because only small areas were left to scramble in Africa
as the most part was taken by France and Britain. Germany, Italy, and Japan in WW2 wanted
to have control over other countries to acquire resources to increase their power. These
countries, as a result, built a military power which led to WW2.
The effects of imperialism contributed to both WW1 and WW2. Germany created a
rivalry with Britain and France as it had only had a small area to take. Germany intervened
when France tried to suppress a rebellion in Morocco as they tried to fight for their
independence an incident that triggered a strong reaction bringing Germany and France to the
brink of war. Japan and Germany the two participants of WW1 by the eve of WW2 were slowly
gaining power as imperialist nations. Both Germany and Japan wanted to have greater control
where they eventually launched a war that caused a lot of chaos all over the world. Many people
lot lives during this time.
In conclusion, imperialism among other aspects that include militarism nationalism and
alliances was a major cause for both WW1 and WW2. Imperialism pushed countries towards
adopting alliances. Rivalry was created as nations tried to acquire resources and increase their
power and the alliances that were made resulted to both wars.
