Lesson 1 - Germany Flashcards
When did Germany unify
1871
Did Germany have strong interests in the Balkans?
No but was drawn into them from her allies, Russia and Austria-Hungary
Who did Germany not support at the Congress of Berlin in 1878?
Russia - she supported Austria and Hungry in the Balkans from then on and was a rival to Russia.
From early 1890s, as part of Weltpolitik adopted by Kaiser Wilhelm II and his governments, How did Berlin try to increase her influence in Ottoman Empire?
Politically she supported the preservation of the Ottoman Empire and presented herself as protector of Muslims.
[Since Russia, as well as Britain and France in their colonies, counted many Muslims, this was perceived as challenge by other European powers]
Economically German companies, investors and bankers sought to gain access to commodities (tobacco, cereals, as well as oil) and get their share of Ottoman market.
Militarily: Germany had opted to prop up Ottoman army, by selling it military equipment and sending Colmar von der Goltz to reorganise it between 1883 and 1895. Von der Goltz, who had links with officers who participated in Young Turk movement and
revolution of 1908, continued to advise Ottoman generals, encouraging them to prepare for invasion of Egypt and Persia.
Thus, German policy towards Ottoman Empire generated much concern in Russia, Britain
and France.
Why was the project of the Berlin to Baghdad [ possible after the Ottoman Empire gave German banks concession to build a railway from Konya to Baghdad] worrying for the Great Powers?
It facilitated communications between Berlin and Persian Gulf, and from there with German colonies in Africa;
▪ it could strengthen Ottoman Empire and its ties to Germany, thus affecting balance of power in region;
