Q.12. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? [UPSC 2024 GS P-1]

It is partly correct to say that the First World War was fought for the preservation of the balance of power, but this explanation alone does not fully capture the complexities behind the conflict. The balance of power was indeed a significant factor, but a deeper understanding requires looking at several interconnected causes such as nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and entangled alliances, which shaped the geopolitical landscape of early 20th-century Europe.

1. Balance of Power and European Rivalries:

The concept of balance of power, particularly in Europe, refers to the idea that no single country should dominate the continent, with power being distributed among the major European powers to prevent any one from becoming too strong. Leading up to World War I, Germany’s rise under Kaiser Wilhelm II upset the delicate equilibrium that had existed for much of the 19th century, particularly after its unification in 1871. Germany’s growing military and economic power threatened the traditional powers like Britain and France.

• The Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) emerged as two opposing camps, both seeking to maintain or challenge the balance of power in Europe. Many historians argue that the war erupted from the fear of one bloc overpowering the other.

2. Imperialism and Global Rivalries:

Beyond balance of power in Europe, imperial competition for colonies and global influence also played a major role. The European powers, especially Britain, France, and Germany, were competing for overseas territories in Africa and Asia. The race for empire and resources deepened antagonism, and nations were concerned that their rivals would expand their influence, shifting the global power balance.

3. Militarism and the Arms Race:

Militarism was another key factor that intersected with the balance of power. European powers invested heavily in expanding their armies and navies, particularly after Germany began to compete with Britain’s naval supremacy. This arms race increased tensions and made war seem inevitable as each side prepared for conflict to ensure they could defend their position in any future crisis.

4. Nationalism and Internal Pressures:

While the balance of power theory explains much of the external political maneuvering, it overlooks the role of nationalism within nations. Slavic nationalism in the Balkans, for example, was a driving force that contributed to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the war. Austria-Hungary’s desire to suppress nationalist movements and maintain its multi-ethnic empire was as much about preserving its internal balance of power as about external threats.

5. Alliance System and Domino Effect:

The complex alliance system turned a regional conflict into a global war. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, which then activated the web of alliances, pulling in Germany, Russia, France, and Britain. While each power sought to preserve its own interests, the alliances ensured that a conflict aimed at maintaining balance in one part of Europe spiraled into a full-scale war.

Conclusion:

While the preservation of the balance of power was certainly a driving factor behind World War I, especially in terms of European rivalries, the war cannot be reduced to this alone. It was the result of a combination of factors: imperialism, militarism, nationalism, and the intricate system of alliances. These dynamics created a volatile environment in which the balance of power was not only threatened but became a flashpoint for larger ambitions and insecurities. Therefore, the First World War was as much a struggle for maintaining and redistributing power on a global scale as it was about preserving the traditional European balance.