One way in which the military buildup of various nations prior to the outbreak of World War I contributed to the war's long-term impact was the significant economic burden it placed on the countries involved.
As countries invested heavily in their military forces, they diverted resources and funding away from other areas such as education, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. This resulted in a strain on their economies and ultimately impacted the well-being of their citizens.
Furthermore, the arms race between nations led to an increased sense of rivalry and hostility, and ultimately contributed to the political tensions and mistrust that led to the outbreak of war. The destructive impact of World War I on Europe, both in terms of human lives lost and physical damage, further set back the economic progress of the countries involved, creating long-lasting effects that would be felt for decades to come.