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Introduction
The 19th century was a turbulent time in global history, characterized by rapid changes to existing processes and systems in practically every field and industry. Science and technology began to develop, leading to new theories as well as economic restructuring under industrialism, which in turn affected the distribution of influence. This led to consequential paradigm shifts which impacted social order, structure, and trajectory of power which led to the beginning of World War I.
Industrialism
Industrialism which was led by England and other European nations came due to rapidly changing demographics and economic stagnation of traditional agricultural societies. The social structure was characterized by high inequality and population decline in some areas. Industrialization arrived in several waves, with each addressing vital aspects of social structures through a unified growth theory. In order for industrialism to have begun, per capita, income, and living standards were increased. The social traditions existent in England, as an example, stabilized per capita living standards and prevented the waste of resources. This eventually led to a shift in the demographic regime. Human capital is vital to industrialism, and therefore, with its arrival, inequality began to slowly decrease. A new working class formed with began earning wages to improve both spendings on essentials as well as purchasing of manufactured goods or services. Finally, the technological change which arrived with industrialism affected the economics and methods of production. Property rights began to matter, there was an incentive for innovation, and a traditional feudal social structure became obsolete.1
Industrialism and subsequent technological innovation provided countries with new capabilities. This was used to develop economic production and influence. At a certain point, European powers began to use this production capacity not only for manufactured market goods but for military development and growth. To protect their interests, countries such as Britain and Germany expanded navies and produced new military technologies as part of the nationalistic competition, which later became used as a method to instigate conflict. An arms race began in the late 19th century which was continuously fueled by political distrust of other countries and the belief that national interests could be protected through the military.
Social Factors
Industrialism significantly altered the way of life in Western Europe which affected social perceptions and structures. Urbanization occurred simultaneously, with life in the city becoming a concentration of wealth, power, and expression. Social divisions were still present, but now the poor and rich lived almost side by side in the city, with slums becoming the reminder of the working-class struggles. Urban development provided opportunities for many, creating new professions, innovations, services, and cultural growth. It can be argued that this shifted perceptions of individuals and society as a whole, where life now became part of the industrial capitalistic endeavor. It was a significant shift from the mostly dual social structure of agrarian societies where there were either peasants or more affluent individuals.
In the years leading up to World War, social justice, economic rights, and socialism became prevalent concepts. The poor conditions of the working class as a result of the Industrial Revolution created constant pressure to create change in society. This led to unified groups such as labor unions and socialist parties. These groups grew in size and influence, attracting intellectual minds and influential followers, eventually gaining political power. Social parties and changes occurred differently in various countries. While England and France accepted the Capitalist laissez-faire approach, Germany didn’t accept, embracing a more social order proposed by Marx.2 As a result, this led to ideological differences and social perceptions among the two countries, which potentially contributed to the growing tensions in the political sphere that led to World War I.
Political Factors
In the late 19th century, industrialized nations began to shift from colonialism to imperialism. In order to support with resources, the growing demands of the industrial societies, the countries established strong spheres of influence abroad with highly developed supply chains. Imperialism was one defining the concept of 19th-century politics as the countries entered into competitive nature for resources. Legal concepts from the time were very ambiguous regarding territorial expansion and control of land rights in underdeveloped regions of the world, which Europeans took advantage of in order to establish a vast network of influence and control.3
Nationalism is a socio-political ideology that inherently shaped a late-19th century and early 20th-century politics and international relations. It emerged as a result of historical events and national movements which defined social and political temperaments. It was an almost radical fervent idea of national sovereignty and greatness over any other country.4 Nationalism was heavily propagandized in media, education, and politics. As a result, it began to shift the cultural and national politics in Europe, as nationalities sought to acquire influence and autonomy, particularly from dominant empires.5 Ethnic tensions began to emerge, threatening the fragile peace on the continent which was already shaken up by smaller military conflicts in the Baltics.6 Nationalism is one of the primary reasons for the start of World War I, beyond the killing of Archduke Ferdinand that started the conflict. Deeply rooted nationalistic feelings were the drive to alliances, politics, and military build-up that contributed to the war.
Discussion
World War I ultimately began as the above factors of industrial economics, social tendencies towards nationalism, and political factors of imperialistic competition collided. Highly industrialized nations required resources to grow and compete, building empires. The competition for markets led countries to use their industrial and economic means for military production to protect interests. Furthermore, the political alliances which formed as nations sharing common values and united under the banner of nationalism (once again, in competition for economic power and resources), led to a tense situation in Europe that sparked World War I.
Conclusion
It is evident that the 19th century saw significant paradigm shifts in the status quo of global societies. The aspects of industrial economics, intellectual movements, and political reform are all inherently intertwined. However, eventually, this led to growing disagreements and social upheaval, resulting in high tensions. Due to a culmination of these changes, led to the consequential start of World War I.
Bibliography
Osgood, Herbert L. “Scientific Socialism.” Political Science Quarterly 1, no. 4 (1886): 560-594.
Paxton, Robert O., and Julie Hessler. Europe in the Twentieth Century. Boston: Cengage, 2012.
Pemberton, Jo-Anne C. ” The So-Called Right of Civilisation in European Colonial Ideology, 16th to 20th Centuries.” Journal of the History of International Law 15, (2013): 25-52.
Stapleton, F. G. “Making Sense Of 19th Century Nationalism.” History Today, (2008): 41-45.
Voigtländer, Nico, and Hans-Joachim Voth. “Why England? Demographic Factors, Structural Change and Physical Capital Accumulation During the Industrial Revolution.” Journal of Economic Growth 11, no. 4 (2006): 319-361.
Footnotes
- Nico Voigtländer and Voth Hans-Joachim. “Why England? Demographic Factors, Structural Change and Physical Capital Accumulation During the Industrial Revolution.” Journal of Economic Growth 11, no. 4 (2006): 320-322
- Herbert L. Osgood “Scientific Socialism.” Political Science Quarterly 1, no. 4 (1886): 562.
- Jo-Anne C. Pemberton, ” The So-Called Right of Civilisation in European Colonial Ideology, 16th to 20th Centuries.” Journal of the History of International Law 15, (2013): 25.
- F. G. Stapleton, “Making Sense Of 19th Century Nationalism.” History Today, (2008): 41.
- Robert O Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the Twentieth Century. (Boston: Cengage, 2012), 24.
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