World War One Causes Flashcards
What was the aim of forming alliances?
To achieve national security - it deterred enemies from attacking you.
Attacking one nation = attacking its allies too!
When and between who formed the Triple Alliance?
In 1882 between Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary.
When and between who formed the Triple Entente?
In 1907 between France, Britain and Russia.
What was signed in 1904?
The Entente Cordiale between France and Britain, promising not to invade each other’s empires.
Why did France, Britain and Russia join forces?
They all felt threatened by Germany.
Why did Britain join an alliance?
Concerned about Germany, who were building a strong army and navy which could compete with Britain.
Why did France join an alliance?
Worried about the growing power of Germany and wanted to take Alsace-Lorraine back from them.
Why did Russia join an alliance?
Worried about threat of Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Also lost war in 1905 so needed aid.
Why did Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy join forces?
Germany and Austria-Hungary were surrounded by the Entente and feared invasion, so they joined together.
Germany and Italy wanted stronger empire.
Why did Germany join an alliance?
Wanted recognition from other countries for a strong navy, army and empire.
Why did Austria-Hungary join an alliance?
To keep its empire strong.
Why did Italy join an alliance?
They wanted an overseas empire.
What is Weltpolitik?
World policy.
What were the Kaiser’s ambitions?
- To have a powerful army
- A large empire that has control over colonies (global ‘superpower’), so it can defend itself against others
- Large navy to attack countries overseas
How did the Kaiser’s actions anger other nations?
- They were worried he would challenge them for colonies
- Tensions increased as he built up his army and navy which
What were the two Moroccan Crises?
- Tangiers Crisis (1905)
- Agadir Crisis (1911)
What caused the Tangiers Crisis?
- Germany supported Morocco in remaining independent from France
- Wil.II goes to Tangier to publicly offer support
- Wil wanted to see how strong F+B alliance was
What happened as a result of the Tangiers Crisis?
- Algeciras conference, 1906
- All major European powers agree that France can have certain rights in Morocco - however, they couldn’t fully colonize it
What were the results of the Algeciras conference?
- Germany humiliated + learns how serious the Entente Cordiale is
- Russia + Britain relationship improves
- Triple Entente signed in 1907
What caused the Agadir Crisis?
- Rebellion in Morocco leads to France sending troops
- Germany sees this as an invasion so sends a warship; the Panther
What happened after the Agadir Crisis?
- Britain feels as if their navy base is being threatened
- Germany backs down (humiliated), compensated with small amount of land in Africa
What were the results of the Agadir Crisis?
- Germany won’t back down again; German people support this
- Entente grows stronger (defending eachother’s empires)
- Britain starts building more warships
- Alliance weakened; Italy did not defend Germany during either crisis
What was the scramble for Africa?
Where most European countries had colonized and divided sections of Africa; Britain owned the most
What was the Arms Race?
When rival countries build up their armed forces in a bid to become bigger and stronger than eachother.