Otto von Bismarck's prediction

Bismarck's prediction of a European war stemming from the Balkans proved true with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Ideology of militarism

Definition of militarism

Militarism is the belief in the supremacy of military power to achieve national goals

Total war

Total war, which calls for the complete mobilization of a society's resources, was exemplified in World War I

Technological advancements

The Industrial Revolution and Second Industrial Revolution led to advancements in military technology, such as the Maxim gun and tanks, which were used in World War I

Impact of Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution revolutionized production methods and led to advancements in military technology

Military technology in World War I

Introduction of tanks

Tanks, which combined firepower, protection, and mobility, were introduced in World War I

Use of chemical weapons

The use of chemical weapons in World War I introduced a new level of horror to warfare

Culmination of military technology in World War II

Development of the atomic bomb

The development of the atomic bomb in World War II redefined the potential for human devastation

Ancient Sparta

Ancient Sparta is renowned for its military-centric culture and rigorous training for combat

Napoleonic France and Bismarck's Germany

Napoleonic France and Bismarck's Germany harnessed the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution for military expansion

Rise of Nazism and Japanese militarism

The punitive measures of the Treaty of Versailles and the Meiji Restoration contributed to the rise of Nazism and Japanese militarism

Post-World War II Germany

Germany underwent a comprehensive demilitarization process after World War II to dismantle militarist structures

Allied occupation of Japan

Japan was compelled to demilitarize and transition to a pacifist state under the guidance of the Allied occupation after World War II