B1) Causes of WW1 Flashcards
When was Germany unified?
1871 after the Franco-Prussian war.
Why was France bitter after the Franco-Prussian war?
They were badly defeated and Germany took control of Alsace-Lorraine (an important industrial area of France).
When did Germany form an alliance with Austria-Hungary?
1879
When did Germany form an alliance with Italy?
1882
What was the Triple Alliance and when was it formed?
The alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, 1882.
What was Germany’s population in 1914?
68 million
How successful were Germany in industry in 1914?
Very, was producing 2x as much steel as Britain and 1/3 of the world’s electrical goods.
Why was Germany interested in making alliances? (3)
- worried that France would want revenge for the Franco-Prussian war
- fear of encirclement
- interest in building an empire to rival Britain’s
What are the causes of the First World War? (MANIA)
Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, Assassination.
What were Germany’s strengths in 1914? (3)
- powerful, newly unified country
- big army
- leading the world in terms of industry
How big was Germany’s army in 1914?
2 million soldiers and 108 warships (biggest apart from Russia but better organised and equipped)
What were Germany’s weaknesses in 1914? (1)
Threat of encirclement from Triple Entente
What were Austria-Hungary’s strengths in 1914? (3)
- large empire in Central Europe
- quite big army
- support from powerful Germany
What were Austria-Hungary’s weaknesses in 1914? (1)
•empire was very unstable as it contained many nationalities and ethnic groups who wanted independence
Who governed Germany and what form of government was it under?
- Kaiser Wilhelm 2
* autocracy
What were Italy’s strengths in 1914? (2)
- protected by Triple Alliance
* starting to build an empire
What were Italy’s weaknesses in 1914? (1)
•not trusted to side with G and A-H if a war broke out
What is the Entente Cordiale?
An informal alliance between Britain and France.
When was the Entente Cordiale signed?
1904
Why was France interested in making alliances?
To gain power in order to have revenge on Germany after the Franco-Prussian war (1870).
When was the Franco-Russian Alliance agreed?
1894
Why was the Kaiser worried about the Triple Entente?
Encircled Germany.
Why was the Triple Entente formed?
All worried about Germany’s growing power.
When was the Anglo-Russian Entente made?
1907