Colonial Expansions
COLONIAL EXPANSIONS AND RIVALRIES
What is it?
Colonialism expansion is where countries (such as Britain, France, Germany and Russia) settle on new land. They do this to expand their territories, and to use their resources for to benefit their empire. Rivalries between the empires are consequential. This is because many empires are involved in conflicts when attempting to regain new land.
How did it contribute to the start of World War I?
Imperialism was one of the causes of World War I. As different empires attempted to expand their lands, conflict between these empires was consequential. The conflicts between the empires created hostility among the European powers; this indirectly led to the formation of alliances and ententes. One example of the conflict was the Moroccan Crisis, which almost resulted in war. Colonial rivalries also intensified the arms race. As each colony felt threatened, or desired to become more powerful, they attempted to create a stronger army and/or naval base.
Analyse its significance
Colonial expansion was not significant in its contribution to World War II. Although it caused conflicts and tension among the European power, many of the disputes were settled quickly. By 1914 (the start of World War II), many of the conflicts caused by colonial expansion were already resolved.
The arms race and the formation of alliances (which were indirectly caused by imperialism) were more significant in igniting World War I than imperialism. Hence, colonial rivalry had a minor impact on the outbreak of the First World
What is it?
Colonialism expansion is where countries (such as Britain, France, Germany and Russia) settle on new land. They do this to expand their territories, and to use their resources for to benefit their empire. Rivalries between the empires are consequential. This is because many empires are involved in conflicts when attempting to regain new land.
How did it contribute to the start of World War I?
Imperialism was one of the causes of World War I. As different empires attempted to expand their lands, conflict between these empires was consequential. The conflicts between the empires created hostility among the European powers; this indirectly led to the formation of alliances and ententes. One example of the conflict was the Moroccan Crisis, which almost resulted in war. Colonial rivalries also intensified the arms race. As each colony felt threatened, or desired to become more powerful, they attempted to create a stronger army and/or naval base.
Analyse its significance
Colonial expansion was not significant in its contribution to World War II. Although it caused conflicts and tension among the European power, many of the disputes were settled quickly. By 1914 (the start of World War II), many of the conflicts caused by colonial expansion were already resolved.
The arms race and the formation of alliances (which were indirectly caused by imperialism) were more significant in igniting World War I than imperialism. Hence, colonial rivalry had a minor impact on the outbreak of the First World