Hi there askhistorians. I come here after reading this article about the poppies that currently surround the Tower of London. I am a bit torn as to where I stand on the issue. But I am interested in his statement that Nationalism was a big factor in starting WW1. I know that WW1 has multiple reasons for it's beginning, but how major was the element of Nationalism?
Thanks!
Hi, I made a pretty in depth post about why WWI is considered "inevitable" quite a while back. Your question with regards to nationalism is specifically related to the German concept of Weltpolitik and the Austro-Russian tensions in the Balkans. Considering I personally make the assertion that it was Weltpolitik replacing Realpolitik that set many of these 'inevitability' factors into motion and that was a policy inherently centered around nationalism I'd say that makes the case there.
Hope this helps!