How did militarism contribute to World War I?

• A. Arms race and buildup of weapons among European nations
• B. Disarmament and demilitarization
• C. Reduction in military spending
• D. Neutrality pacts increasing cooperation

Answer: (A)

Militarism means a society views military power as a primary tool of national policy, so nations stockpile weapons, expand armed forces, and develop plans for rapid mobilization. On the eve of World War I, major European powers pursued an intense arms race—building navies, expanding armies, and refining mobilization schedules. This created a climate of suspicion and urgency: crises seemed solvable only by force, and countries felt compelled to demonstrate strength to deter rivals or reassure allies. When tensions rose, the existing gear and readiness meant governments could move quickly from a regional dispute to a continental war, pulling in allies along the way.

That’s why the arms race and buildup of weapons is the best fit. Disarmament, reduced military spending, or neutrality pacts point toward decreasing or limiting militarism and diplomacy instead of fueling it, so they don’t explain why militarism pushed Europe toward war.