Question

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements (I) and (II).

(I) In the later half of the 19th century, every major power began stockpiling armaments in the name of self-defence and preservation of peace.

(II) The race for armaments increased hostilities between nations and became one of the reasons for the First World War.

Options

• (II) contradicts (I).

• (II) is the reason for (I).

• (I) is true, but (II) is false.

• (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer 1

(II) is the reason for (I).

Explanation:

Major European powers indeed built up armaments in the late 19th century under the guise of security. This, however, triggered a competitive arms race that directly increased international tensions and served as a primary cause of World War I. Therefore, (II) is the reason for (I) (or rather, (II) explains the consequences of the actions described in (I).