What role did nationalism play in the outbreak of World War I?
1 Answer
The rise of Nationalism in the Balkans led directly to the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand by a Serbian Nationalist which triggered the series of events the started World War 1.
Explanation:
Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian Nationalist, killed Arch Duke Ferdinand in Serajavo, Bosnia. Serbians lived throughout the Balkans and wish to join with Serbia.
Austria-Hungary ruled Bosnia at the time as part of their Empire.
Nationalism in Germany had led to to an aggressive German State with a large conscript Army. France and Russia also had developed large conscription based Armies to counter Germany.
Nationalism was how the State motivated individuals within the state. Nationalist fervor helped fuel an enthusiastic rush to war by the the citizens of Europe.
