What were the causes and consequences of the arms build-up before 1914?

Answer 1

The causes of the arms build up was simply to protect imperial expansion by various countries at the time. War was common fact in the previous century, and was thought of as just something that was done. Europe had been quiet for 20 years or so. The last war was in Africa so Europe was ready for "action". Soldiers have to fight. They need something to do. NO ONE was prepared for the slaughter that followed. The invention of the machine gun, trench warfare, guns on ships that could shoot shells 20 miles, the technological advances made in weaponry were not understood prior to the declaration of War during the summer of 1914. When Britain declared war, her colonies, Canada, Australia and many others were at war also. Churchill's prototype for a tank revolutionized the battlefield as did the airplane. War drives invention. As a result, many of the technological and medical advances made during the war, helped the world to prosper after the Armistice, and sadly, moved the next generation one step closer to 1939.

Answer 2

Imperialism (colonies in Africa) by Britain, France, German all helped contribute to the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution allowed Countries to produce weapons at a higher rate, it also allowed them to make better weapons. However, they really had no idea how well they would work in an actual war, therefore, every country was essentially waiting for a battle in which, these arms could be tested.

Answer 3

Pure scientific exploration and imperialism were root causes. The Maxim Machine Gun and newer, hotter burning propellants for larger field artillery. The Battleship Race, size of cannon and tonnage (bigger ships, bigger guns) between Great Britain, U.S.A., Germany & Japan. These instuments of war were necessary to protect imperalistic endeavors in foreign lands. The consequences are; When boys have new toys they will want to use them and someone is gong to get hurt.

Answer 4

The causes were imperialism - that is the desire to invade and control other territories ( see Iraq today).
The consequences were the First World War.

Answer 5

It was believed that it prolonged the war while improvishing the nations That was the princlple reason for the "quota" that were placed on all nations.