Events leading to WW1 Flashcards
What was the Franco-Prussian War?
TheFranco-Prussian Warwas fought between France and Prussia (Germany) between 1870 -1871.
Prussia would destroy the armies of the emperor Napoleon, then the newly raised armies of the Third Republic. The victory of the German states created a unified German Empire and brought the fall of the empire of Napoleon III. As part of the settlement, the French territory of Alsace-Lorraine was taken by Germany. (Imperialism)
France sought alliances with Russia and later Britain (the Triple Entente).
What was the scramble for Africa?
“Scramble for Africa” or the partition of Africawas the invasion of Africanterritory by European powers during the period of Imperialism in the later 1800’s.
The backdrop in Africa created further tensions between the major European countries and fuelled rivalry, hostility and anger.
What was the Naval Arms Race?
Traditionally Britain had ‘ruled the waves’ and prided itself on having the biggest and most powerful navy in the world.
However, as a young boy Kaiser Wilhelm had visited England and marvelled at Britain’s navy. He vowed to build a navy to match that of Britain. As Wilhelm ordered the building of more ships King George did the same and an arms race began. This increased the rivalry between the two countries. (Militarism).
What was the Bosnian Crisis?
The Bosnian crisis is when Austria began to lose her power as a large outdated army ruled over the Austria-Hungarian Empire.
In 1908 Austria took over Bosnia which infuriated Serbia as Bosnia wanted to join with Serbia in the East. This led to nationalism and the Right Arm developing and Serbia threatening to declare war on Austria.
What event was dubbed the ‘Powder Keg for WW1’?
The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 set off WW1.
Germany had the biggest military might in Europe and since Austria-Hungary was allied with them, Austria felt like they could do anything. Germany had promised Austria to support them no matter what they do, which led to Germany declaring war on Russia, France and Britain before any other countries did.
Franz was assassinated by Serbian Nationalists over the Bosnian Crisis. Austria was furious, their politicians offered an ultimatum. Serbia refused and Austria-Hungary attacked. Which set off their allies coming to protect them as well as their allies allies.
What is the definition of Imperlism, Nationalism and Militarism?
Militarism: The belief that a country should maintain a strong, competitive military.
Imperialism: A policy of extending a country’s power through military force.
Nationalism: Extreme loyalty to your own country and belief in its superiority.
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany invaded Belgium but were met with resistance from Belgium forces and by Britain forces (Britain didn’t remain neutral).
Russia mobilised in 10 days, and Germany had to withdraw troops to defend her Eastern Border.
Germany couldn’t take Paris so they attacked east (Battle of Mare) they were met with French forces halting their advances.
The Germans found themselves trapped on the Western Front, facing the combined armies of France, Britain, and their empires, including Canada.
What did Germany hope to achieve with the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany, during the late 1800’s, tried to keep on friendly terms with Russia.
If war came, Germany expected it to be with France, not Russia, which would mean battles to the west – a Western Front.
When Germany allied with Austria in 1879, Russia’s friendship was lost; Russia became France’s ally.
Germany thought,
Russia would take at least 6 weeks to be mobile
France would be easily defeated in 6 weeks
Belgium would not resist any German attack.
Britain would remain neutral based on a 70 year old treaty with Belgium.
