Militarism is a philosophy or system that emphasises the importance of military power. Alfred Vagts, a German historian who served in World War I, defined it as the “domination of the military man over the civilian, an undue preponderance of military demands, an emphasis on military considerations”. Militarism was a significant force in Europe prior to World War I. Several European governments were strongly influenced, if not dominated by military leaders, their interests and priorities. Generals and admirals in these nations acted as de facto government ministers, advising political leaders, influencing domestic policy and demanding increases in defence and arms spending. This militarism fuelled an arms race which gave rise to new military technologies and increased defence spending. Militarism affected more than policy: it also shaped culture, the press and public opinion. Newspapers held up military leaders as heroes, painted rival nations as dangerous aggressors and regularly engaged in ‘war talk’. Militarism alone did not start World War I but it created an environment where war, rather than negotiation or diplomacy, was seen as the best way of resolving international disputes.
