Nationalism heightened tensions in Europe because of economic competition and pressured the nations to the point they got into conflict. Germany was pressured to catch up to Britain and when it did, Britain was threatened by Germany which led to the formation of alliances and increased tension. With the Treaty of Versailles came Article 231, or the “war guilt” clause. This placed responsibility for starting the war entirely on Germany’s shoulders, forcing them to pay billions of dollars in reparations. This shows exactly why Great Britain joined the war: to weaken Germany’s economy to regain the number one spot in Europe. They felt threatened by the Germany’s rise in economic strength and wanted to again establish themselves as
Nationalism heightened tensions in Europe because of economic competition and pressured the nations to the point they got into conflict. Germany was pressured to catch up to Britain and when it did, Britain was threatened by Germany which led to the formation of alliances and increased tension. With the Treaty of Versailles came Article 231, or the “war guilt” clause. This placed responsibility for starting the war entirely on Germany’s shoulders, forcing them to pay billions of dollars in reparations. This shows exactly why Great Britain joined the war: to weaken Germany’s economy to regain the number one spot in Europe. They felt threatened by the Germany’s rise in economic strength and wanted to again establish themselves as