Militarism
Militarism refers to a strong emphasis on military values, thought, and action, often prioritizing military concerns over other aspects of state governance. The term originated in the 1860s and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Scholars debate whether militarism is a legacy of past cultures, such as the influence of Prussian traditions on early 20th-century German militarism, or a contemporary phenomenon linked to the advancements of industrialism. For instance, the militarism seen in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s is often linked to these historical roots. Additionally, the chaotic form known as "warlordism," which characterized China during the civil war era of the 1910s and 1920s, arose from the breakdown of civil governance, highlighting how a political vacuum can lead to military dominance. Understanding militarism requires a nuanced approach that considers both historical contexts and modern implications, as it reflects complex interactions between military power and societal structures.
Subject Terms
Militarism
A vigorous martial spirit or a tendency to elevate military matters over other concerns of the state. The term militarism originated in the 1860’s and has been used in various, sometimes ambiguous, contexts. The foremost question among scholars, however, is whether militarism—dominance of military thought and action—is a product of the past (for example, the theory that twentieth century German militarism is a scion of Prussian culture) or a modern phenomenon, a direct result of industrialism. While such arguments may be applied to a complex, militaristic state such as Germany in 1930’s and 1940’s, “warlordism”—the brand of chaotic, divisive militarism that, for instance, distinguished civil war-torn Chinese society during the 1910’s and 1920’s—is widely accepted as having a simple explanation: A complete failure of civil government creates a political vacuum that can only be filled by military strength.
