The Impact of Nationalism and Imperialism

Nationalism played a critical role in the events leading up to World War I, particularly in Eastern Europe, where various ethnic groups demanded independence. The rise of social Darwinism, which categorized human races in a hierarchical manner, further fueled nationalist sentiments and justified conflicts, as nations felt their existence depended on proving their superiority. Imperialism had already instigated tensions among European powers but by the early 20th century, many imperial rivalries had been settled, allowing nationalism to take center stage. This environment created a scenario where nations viewed each other as hereditary enemies, increasing the likelihood of war due to perceived existential threats.