Conflict and Tension 1888-1914 Flashcards
Describe Kaiser Wilhem
- withered arm, partly deaf
- wanted to be seen as a strong military leader
- unstable, needed to prove
- Jealous of Britain’s navy
- Grandson of Queen Victoria
What did the Industrial Revolution allow?
Electricity, motor vehicles, aircraft, warships, guns
Why were the factory workers upset?
Because the Kaiser promised to spend lots of money on the navy instead of improving life quality
When did Britain build the dreadnought?
1905
Describe the WeltPolitik
Kaiser Wilhem's aims in foreign policy - overseas Empire - strong country Aims : Transform Germany into a global power through conquering colonies and a large navy.
Militarism
When military matters influence a country’s policy which makes them build up armed forces
Germany used money for navy
Alliances
Divided Europe into two.
Germany, Austria, Italy
France, Britain, Russia
Imperialism
The desire to conquer countries.
Germany wanted a bigger Empire
Nationalism
Belief your country is better than others.
Wanted to have a larger Empire/ conquer others
Tension between Russia and Germany before 1914
- Russia was alarmed by it’s growth and increase in military power.
- Both wanted to control Bolkans.
Tension between France and Germany before 1914
- Scared/feared navy but wanted Empire
- Wanted Alsace-Lorraine back
Tension between Britain and Germany before 1914
- Suspicious of navy building
- Germany jealous of Britain’s Empire
When and why did France and Russia become allies?
1892 - They both felt threatened by Germany
When and why did France and Britain form the Dual Entente?
1904 - Became friends, put differences aside but not allies yet
When and why did the Triple Entente form?
1907 - They were all afraid of Germany’s rise.
Britain - Kept Empire safe and put differences aside.
France - Promised help if land was attacked again as they lost Alsace-Lorraine to Germany in 1895.
Russia - They wanted to catch up with Western European powers and control South East Europe so they need help from Europe to balance Germany’s power.