Imperialism
Imperialism was fundamentally engraved into the German policy of Weltpoliik after describing the aim to "make Germany a major imperial power...[and pursue] territorial expansion overseas" (McDonough 8). With Germany's relentlessly pursuing its aggressive ambitions as demonstrated by this policy, its growing power had developed this climate of tension across Europe compelling the already weary competing empires to act likewise. This economic competition to allocate markets in foreign countries and desire to build vast empires led to increased tensions and furthered division amongst the alliances with additional cause nationalism and militarism (Causes of World War I 14). The governments of Britain, Russia, France, Japan, Germany, and the USA engaged in a rapid division of power in Asia with France, Britain, Germany, and Italy also pursuing interests in a partitioning of Africa. Imperialism signified a palpable battle for wealth, growth, and economic power between the empires of Europe (McDonough). Numerous disagreements arose form this competition for expansion, with Anglo-Russian interests clashing in Asia prior to the Entente Cordiale which resolved residual tension between the empires. One of the most prominent Russia endeavor occurred with the Russia attempt in expansion into Asian territory resulting in a humiliating defeat to Japan in a war from 1904-1905, prompting Russia development in technology and nationalism (Menning). Russia also expressed salient interests in the Balkans with its imperial outlooks to exert influence over their fellow Slavs and gain dominion over the straits of Constantinople for access of Russian ships from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. This ambition coupled with the regression of the Ottoman Empire seen in the "Eastern Question" would lead to later conflict in the short term Balkan Crises after tensions were established in the economic competition emanating from imperialism (Causes of World War I 18).