1. Imperial Rivalries: Great Britain was one of the leading imperial powers in the early 20th century, competing for influence and resources with other European nations, including Germany. The British feared that Germany's growing power and economic strength could challenge their own dominance, leading to a sense of rivalry and tension between the two countries.
2. Entangling Alliances: Great Britain had formed a series of alliances with other European powers, most notably the Entente Cordiale with France and the informal Triple Entente, also including Russia. These alliances created a web of obligations and commitments that would pull Britain into the war when its allies were attacked.
3. Naval Arms Race: The naval arms race between Britain and Germany was another contributing factor. Britain, as a seafaring nation and global power, heavily relied on its naval superiority. Germany's rapid expansion of its navy, including the construction of powerful warships, was perceived by Britain as a direct challenge to its naval supremacy.
4. Violation of Belgian Neutrality: The immediate trigger that led to Great Britain's declaration of war against Germany was the violation of Belgian neutrality. Belgium had a treaty guaranteeing its neutrality, which both Germany and Britain had signed. When Germany invaded Belgium in August 1914, as part of its war strategy, Britain felt compelled to honor its commitment and declare war on Germany.
5. Preservation of the Balance of Power: Great Britain had a longstanding policy of maintaining the balance of power in Europe. The emergence of Germany as a dominant power in central Europe upset this balance, leading Britain to join forces with its allies to counter Germany's growing influence.
It's important to note that while these factors played a significant role in Great Britain's involvement in World War 1, the origins of the war were complex and involved many other factors, including power struggles, territorial disputes, nationalism, and militarism among several European nations.