Causes Of WW1 Flashcards
Why was the triple alliance and the dual alliance formed
Triple alliance - because after Germany took Alsace-Lorraine from France, France wanted revenge so Germany formed an alliance to protect themselves
Dual alliance- France wanted revenge on Germany, but they couldn’t do it on its own, plus Russia was looking for an ally in Europe and both countries felt threatened by the triple alliance
What were the terms of the triple alliance and the dual alliance
For both- if any of the countries got attacked the other country(s) in the alliance would help protect them
What was Britain’s foreign policy known as
Splendid isolation
What three friendly agreements did Britain sign in order to feel safe from Germany, France and Russia, and why were they signed/ what did they mean
The alliance with Japan- stopped Russia threatening Britain’s empire in the Far East, so if either Britain or Japan were attacked they would defend each other
The three power standard- this was where Britain’s navy would be as big as the next 3 navy’s in the world combined
Entente cordiale- signed with France meaning that Britain would be on better terms with European countries. The agreement said that Britain would not oppose any French action in Morocco and France would allow British reforms in Egypt. However Germany saw it as a threat and thought that it was an ally between Britain and France
What was the the reason for the Anglo-Russian agreement
Britain and Russia solved disputes they had ever Iran and Tibet
Why did Germany not like the triple entente
Because it now felt surrounded and it suspected that the countries had secret clauses where they would join together in military action against Germany
What were the 4 aims of kaiser wilhelm
- to expand the German empire and play a larger role in European affairs (weltpolitik)
- To build up the size of the German navy
- To break up the entente cordiale between France and Britain
- To support his ally, Austria-Hungary, in the Balkans.
What were the results of the kaiser’s aims
Involving Germany in the future of Morocco upset France
Building a larger navy led to tension with Britain
Supporting Austria-Hungary in its disputes with Russia worried Russia
Explain the Moroccan crisis 1905
Kaiser went to Morocco and said that Morocco should be an independent country, provoking France, who wanted to take over Morocco. There was later an international conference in Algeciras, France didn’t win control of Morocco but, with Spain, got control over its police. Additionally Britain strongly supported France, and secret talks were held between France and Britain over how their armies could cooperate in war, however no formal alliance came out of it
What were the 2 alliances in Europe called and who were they between
Triple alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy
Dual alliance between France and Russia
Describe the Moroccan crisis 1911
The sultan of Morocco faced a rebellion so he called upon France to protect it. Germany reacted by sending the gunboat Panther to defend its interests. Britain and France saw this as an over reaction, and Britain thought that Germany wanted a naval base to rival Britain’s in Gibraltar. Preparations for war were made in all three countries, however Germany backed down and accepted very poor land in the Congo
What were the results of the 2nd Moroccan crisis.
Germany felt humiliated and wouldn’t back down again
The German people felt annoyed with Britain and France so they supported the idea of war
Britain became more convinced that Germany wanted control of Europe
Britain and France reached a secret naval agreement where Britain would defend France’s north Coast of it was attacked by sea, France promised to defend the Mediterranean
Italy opposed Germany’s actions in Morocco, weakening the triple alliance.
Explain the Bosnia crisis 1908
Turkey ruled the Balkans, however they were becoming weak, so , with most of the Balkans being Slavs, Serbian wanted the Balkans, especially as they wanted to grow in power. Austria-Hungary had Slavs of its own and didn’t want them demanding to joined Serbia, so they took control of the Balkans. Serbia turned to Russia to help, who demanded an international conference, but Austria-Hungary turned to Germany, Russia couldn’t fight Germany, so Russia backed down and the crisis passed
Results of the Bosnian crisis
Austria-Hungary felt more support form Germany.
Italy didn’t like what Germany and AH did so the triple alliance weakened
Russia wouldn’t be humiliated again
Brought triple entente closer as they all had a reason to dislike Germany
What was the result of the naval race
Britainand germany would definitely be on opposite sides
