Why did socialists call it an imperialist war?

Various motives prompt empires to seek to expand their rule over other countries or territories. These include economic, exploratory, ethnocentric, political, and religious motives. Economic: Imperial governments, and/or private companies under those governments, sought ways to maximize profits.

Explanation:

they wanted the u.s. to fight on the side of the central powers.

mustafa ataturk thought nationalism in turkey would best be achieved by modernizing the country.