1.Evaluate importance of nationalism etc 2.Describe what an alliance is 3.Explain why they were formed 4.Analyse the role of alliances in the outbreak of World War One Key Words Alliance Treaty Assassination Key Words Alliance Treaty Assassination

Bismarck the Chancellor of the German Empire set about the construction of the German Empire in the 1860’s. He wanted to unify all German speaking people under one rule. The creation of the unified Germany was of direct importance to the outbreak of World War One. Once Bismarck had finished unifying and expanding Germany his new aim was to defend and stabilise it. He set about building European alliances aimed at protecting Germany. These were the alliances that would help cause the outbreak of a world war.

The Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy formed in 1882 brought the 3 countries under a protected friendship. Germany and Austria-Hungary promised to assist Italy if she was attacked by France and vice versa, Italy was bound to lend aid to either Germany or Austria- Hungary if France declared war on them. This alliance drew Germany into World War One in her promise to protect Austria-Hungary.

The Triple Entente between Britain, France and Russia was formed in This was to protect Britain and Russia against German aggression. The Triple Entente was not a military agreement like the Triple Alliance. This was more of a moral obligation to aid any of the members in a time of war. It was this moral obligation that drew Britain towards helping to defend France.

In 1839 Britain and Belgium signed the Treaty of London. It committed Britain to defending the neutrality of Belgium. Germany thought that the British would not honour a Treaty signed 75 years ago and almost forgotten. However, when the Germans marched their armies through Belgium land to attack France Britain upheld her promise and declared war on Germany.

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Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austrian-Hungarian throne. On the 28 June 1914 in Sarajevo he was assassinated by a Serbian Nationalistic group called the ‘Black Hand’ This assassination was the catalyst that set about a chain of events that directly resulted in World War One. Austria-Hungary argued that Serbia was directly involved in the assassination of her heir and so issued an ultimatum to Serbia to bring the assassins to justice. Serbia rejected the ultimatum and Austria-Hungary had a pretext for war against her.

The Schlieffen Plan was a German plan to attack France. Fearing the French border forces Schlieffen suggested an attack through Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. On the 2 nd August 1914 the Plan was put into operation. The march through Belgium sparked British action. Due to the Treaty of London Britain had promised to defend Belgian neutrality and so declared war on Germany.

1)Describe the atmosphere in Europe after the announcement of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. 2)Why do you think these two alliances formed as they did? Explain your reasons )How did the alliance system prevent war? Explain your answer 4)How did the alliance system encourage war? Explain your answer