European Diplomacy and the Changing Balance of Power After 1871 (Long-Term Causes of WW1) Flashcards
When was the German Empire created and who consolidated power?
- Chancellor Otto von Bismarck consolidated power.
How did Bismarck use diplomacy?
He used diplomacy to maintain the equilibrium in Europe and prevent powerful alignments.
What happened in 1871 that led to the unification of the German Empire?
The Franco-Prussian War, which was led by Bismarck. The victory ensured unification and undoubted power.
What sparked the Franco-Prussian War in 1871?
The war was sparked by France’s opposition to the unification of the German Empire.
What were the 5 points of tension caused by the Franco-Prussian War?
- ‘Blood and Iron’ A series of successful wars waged by Bismarck to bring unification.
- Triggered an arms race across Europe.
- Destabilized the ‘Balance of Power’ as a new power.
- Insecurity and searches for alliances.
- ‘Revanche’ movement in France; revenge on Germany and the reclamation of Alsace and Lorraine.
What was the aim of the alliances made by Bismarck?
To isolate France and ally with Russia to prevent a war on two fronts.
What was the first alliance made by Bismarck?
Dreikaiserbund 1873. Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia, all of which had the common enemy of republicanism and socialism.
What was the major event that led France to devastation?
The Napoleonic wars.
When did the Ottoman Empire begin its decline?
- However, this was checked in 1529 due to the loss of the Siege of Vienna to the Habsburg Empire (Austria). Additionally, by 1571, the Ottoman Empire had lost dominance in the Mediterranean to Spain. The Ottoman Empire also had control of the Balkan States which were volatile due to growing nationalism.
What were the political issues behind the Ottoman Empire?
- Emperors were weak when responding to tensions and nationalism.
- Political reforms were enacted, however, they failed to suppress Balkan nationalism.
- In the 1880s, ‘pan-Islamism’ was enacted to appeal to Arab territories.
- In 1908, they moved to Turkish nationalism with the rise of the Young Turks.
What were the economic issues behind the Ottoman Empire?
- The Ottomans were forced to sell resources (oil from Persia) to Europeans, specifically Great Britain which created a trade alliance with harsh policies and little gain.
- Nationalists were enraged at ‘sold-off’ resources to profit elites.
What were the land and territory disputes behind the Ottoman Empire?
- Great Britain and France wanted ports and oil resources in Persia.
- Great Britain wanted the ‘gateway to India’, Afghanistan.
- Russia wanted Constantinople and the Holy Lands. Russia also wanted to exert influence on the Balkan states.
