Nationalism played a significant role in bringing about World War I by fostering intense pride and loyalty among citizens towards their nations, often to the point of exclusion or hostility towards other countries. This fervent national pride led to an environment where nations sought to assert their dominance and power, heightening rivalries and tensions.
For example, countries like Germany and France had longstanding conflicts, exacerbated by nationalistic sentiments that glorified military strength and territorial expansion. Nationalism also contributed to the unification of disparate ethnic groups, such as the Slavic peoples in Eastern Europe, which further destabilized existing political structures and created friction between empires like Austria-Hungary and Russia.
Additionally, competition for colonies and resources fueled nationalistic fervor, as nations sought to expand their influence on a global scale. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which was influenced by nationalist desires for independence among Serbs, acted as a catalyst that ignited the already tense rivalries among the major powers.
In summary, nationalism not only intensified existing rivalries between countries but also created an environment ripe for conflict and competition, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War I.