Causes, practices and effects of wars-I: Wars were widespread in the 20th century. The causes and practises of the war differed. The effects of wars were most often the same. What is war? War is a fight between two countries or two opposing group of companies. Each country aims to achieve their objective through force. Wars are sometimes fought within the countries and they are called revolutions or civil wars. The name war is given to a sustained fight meaning it should have gone on for few days at least.
Causes of Wars
When the war is between two countries there are many causes that leads up to the war and then there is the immediate cause. In the case of World War I the causes were imperialism, nationalism, mutual defence alliance and militarism. All these contributed to World War II but the immediate cause was the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. Most wars are animosity precipitated due to one single cause. In most wars there are many causes that leads to a war and it can be generally classified into eight.
- For economic gain – When a country is rich, many other countries would want to rule it to enjoy the booty. Earlier it was gold and other riches now it is for minerals and gas. To become rich wars were fought. The Finnish-Soviet War or “The Winter War” (1939-1940)was fought for economic gains.
- For Territorial Gain – Wars are fought to gain land either to exhibit power or for some economic gains. Arab-Israeli War or “Six Day War” (1967-1988) is an example for war for territorial gain.
- For Religious reasons – Religious conflicts are usually deep rooted. It can lie latent for long time to emerge suddenly resulting in a war. Nationalism or a earlier historical slight can be connected to religious conflicts. Different religions fight against each or it can be different sects of the same religion that can be warring. Lebanese Civil Wars (1975-1990), Yugoslav Wars (1991-1995), Second Sudanese Civil War (1986-2005) are all examples of religious war.
- For Nationalist reasons – Wars which are fought because of the feeling that one country is superior than the other. World War I was fought for nationalism.
- For Revenge – Retaliation is another reason for wars and World War II is an example for this. Hitler and his Germany wanted to get back on the Allies for the losses in World War I.
