Militarism
Definition
Militarism is the belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
Analogy
Think of militarism like an overzealous football coach. The coach believes in having the strongest team possible, constantly trains them, and isn't afraid to play aggressively. Just as this approach can lead to victories but also injuries and conflicts on the field, militarism can result in national defense but also wars and international tensions.
Related terms
Arms Race: This refers to a competition between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons. It's like two rival football teams constantly trying to outdo each other with better training equipment and strategies.
Nationalism: This is a political ideology that involves loyalty and devotion to a nation. It's like being a die-hard fan of your home team, always cheering for them no matter what.
Imperialism: This is when one country extends its influence over another through force or diplomacy. Imagine if our football coach started controlling other teams too, not just his own.
"Militarism" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (3)
Which of the following best describes the role of militarism in the outbreak of World War I?
What role did militarism play as a cause for WWI?
Which event, occurring simultaneously with the emergence of militarism in Germany and Italy, significantly exacerbated the international tensions that led to World War I?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.