Nationalism
Correlating to the volatility that brewed amongst the nations of Europe and the tension that proliferated, the economic competition between the imperialistic pursuits and resentment towards opposing nations contributed to an overall growth and unity with each each nation in the form of nationalism. In the case of Germany's Weltpolitik policy which not only initiated a naval race with Britain but exemplified its intentions to become an imperial power (McDonough, IB Textbook). This policy also assisted in Germany's domestic crises with internal social disputes by influencing a common interest against the competing countries and instill nationalistic fervor. In Russia, nationalism was evident with Russia's influence and aid in the Slavik peoples of the Balkans. Also in Russia's imperial endeavors, nationalism rose with interests in constructing the army after its decline in technology. In addition, domestic alleviation with the opening of political participation and removal of cultural restrictions opened up even more nationalism. In Russia, a longstanding separation between the government and people existed. The aristocracy could not see the peasantry as normal people. Peasants were tied into a system of land ownership. They had limited possibilities for a future (Synder). This changed slightly with the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861 - serfs would no longer belong to their landowners. This change of structure in the nation gave way for a stronger sense of national pride, and made way for the country’s desire to grow and expand. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Sazonov, Russia could not afford to be seen as weak (Peaple). They had to oblige to participate in the war due to the hostile actions of Austria-Hungary that forced Russia to display their strength.Ultimately, the collective increase in national pride in each country of Europe only elevated the already present climate of tension contributing to the breakout of World War I.