The two world wars were the ultimate showdowns in over three centuries of constant warfare to dominate central Europe. Unlike previous wars, most of the world was colonized by the early 20th century, making much of the globe a participant in this old European feud between the Germans and the French.
The German Paradox
Germany and its predecessors — Prussia, the Holy Roman Empire — were the strongest powers in Europe for nearly a thousand years. However, their supremacy was primarily land-based. They didn't have as many ports to build a world empire. The French, Dutch, and British used colonialism as a stepping stone to compensate for their weakness in Europe.
Napoleon Reshapes Europe
In the early 1800s, Napoleon of France went on a power march to conquer all of Europe. In the process, he destroyed existing empires, leading to nationalism and the rise of modern Germany. Germany had desires to capture much of Europe and reestablish the empire of Charlemagne, the 8th-century ruler. They had a bold plan to capture France and Belgium: the Schlieffen Plan.
The "Sick Man of Europe"
While the Western European powers were rising, there was chaos on the eastern side as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing. All the powers were salivating at the potential to steal territories from the "sick man of Europe."
Germany helped build the European Union. Japan became Asia's economic leader. Both achieved what they fought for — without guns.
The lesson: you can achieve what you want without wars. Just ask nicely. Peace!