11. International Relationships 1890-1914 Flashcards
What power had been seen as the main threat to Britain in the early and middle part of the 19th century?
Russia
Why had Russia been seen as the main threat to Britain in the early and middle part of the 19th century?
Because it was geographically close to India (Britain’s main country in Empire)
How did Germany become a threat to Britain in 1871?
Germany had unified and begun to compete economically and militarily with Britain
How did France become a threat to Britain?
France wanted to assert its ‘rightful place’ in the world
Where did France and Germany threaten British interests?
In Africa which lead to the scramble for Africa
What system emerged in the late 19th century?
An alliance system
What countries made an alliance in 1882?
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy
What countries made an alliance in 1894?
France and Russia
Britain’s belief in ‘splendid isolation’
Britain had maintained a policy of splendid isolation throughout the 1800s - deliberate avoidance of permanent alliances
Why was Afghanistan a ‘flashpoint’ between Russian and Britain?
Because Russia had a railway in Tashkent (within seeking distance of Afghanistan)
If Britain gained control of Afghanistan, what would the benefit be?
Could allow India to be protected
What was perceived by the British as an additional threat to the Suez Canal and British India?
The Russian agreement with France in 1892
Why did Britain maintain policy of ‘splendid isolation’?
Because they trusted that their navy could maintain Empire
Why did the Second Anglo-Boer War from 1899-1902 force a drastic review of British strategy?
Because it was felt that India was vulnerable due to military power being concentrated in South Africa
What made British internationally vulnerable by 1894?
Alliance system
