Revision: Part One

Key Questions Why were there two armed camps in Europe in 1914? Why did war break out in 1914?

Development of the armed camps By 1907 two camps had emerged: - Triple Alliance - Triple Entente Triple Alliance formed Initiated by Germany, fearing French revenge after Franco-Prussian War. All three powers promised to fight if attacked.

France signed an agreement with Russia A defensive alliance to cover attack by Germany or Austria-Hungary. Germany would now have to divide its forces if war broke out. Britain content with ‘splendid isolation’. This began to change because: – 1898 development of the German navy – Boer rebellion in South Africa – Germany and most of Europe sympathised with the Boers.

Entente Cordiale signed between Britain and France. Contained agreements over British reforms in Egypt and French action in Morocco. Not an alliance. Britain was reluctant to form an alliance as they were allies with Japan and the navy had reached the three- power standard. However, Germany became intent on challenging the Entente Cordiale. Entente Cordiale was strengthened by the First Moroccan Crisis. Led to signing of Anglo-Russian Agreement Dealt with problems in the colonies. The entente agreements were therefore not alliances, but Germany feared encirclement. This was particularly because the terms of the agreements remained secret.

German Foreign Policy Kaiser Wilhelm II wanted to improve the international standing of Germany. ‘Weltpolitik’ (world policy) he wanted Germany to be of major importance in world affairs. Wanted to provide Germany with ‘a place in the sun’. The Kaiser could be overdramatic and unpredictable.

Why were there two armed camps in Europe in 1914? Name the agreements: Triple Alliance 1882 Franco-Russian Agreement 1893 Entente Cordiale Anglo-Russian Agreement 1907

German Foreign Policy ‘Weltpolitik’ ‘a place in the sun’

The Moroccan Crisis

Germany opposed the French attempts to control Morocco Wilhelm goes to Tangier, stating that he would support Morocco as an independent country. Called for an international conference. Conference held at Algeciras, January Only A-H and Morocco supported Germany. France was forced to recognise Moroccan independence, but were given control of the bank, customs, arms supply and police.

Effects of the Crisis Britain began secret military talks with France, but not to create an alliance. France became more confident of British support. Britain moving taking more of an interest in European affairs. Anglo-Russian Agreement signed a year later.

The Bosnian Crisis,

Impact of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire – Serbia was the leading Slav state. Aimed to unite other Slavic states under Serbian leadership. Why were Austria-Hungary concerned? 1908 – Austria annexes Bosnia. Bosnia was mostly Slavic. Serbia appealed to the Russians for help. Conference was held. Germany supports Austria-Hungary – why? Russia is forced to back down.

Effects of the Crisis A-H confident of German support. Italy disapproved – distancing from Triple Alliance. Russia was humiliated – military improvements made. Britain, France and Russia drew closer, united by a dislike of Germany. Serbia accepted Bosnia’s annexation, but became even more determined to oppose Austria (with Russian support). Conditions in the Balkans would later provide the ‘spark’ for WWI.

The Second Moroccan Crisis, – risings against the Sultan of Morocco. French army sent to restore order. Kaiser Wilhelm feared that the French would annex Morocco and sent a gunboat to Agadir. Germany hoped to acquire the French Congo. The gunboat angered the British – Lloyd George’s Mansion House speech. Germany demand an apology, but do not receive one. Preparations for war made in Germany, Britain and France. Paris Conference resolves the issue. Germany receives two strips of land in the Congo, in return for accepting French control over Morocco.

Results of the Crisis Germany humiliated, she would be unlikely to back down again. Public opinion becomes extremely anti-British. Britain becomes convinced that Germany wants to dominate Europe. Britain and France reach a secret naval agreement – Britain would defend the north coast of France and France would defend the Mediterranean. Italy opposed Germany. Germany becomes more reliant on Austria-Hungary.

The Naval and Arms Race

1906 – launch by the British of the Dreadnought. British public opinion alarmed by German production of the new battleships. Britain planned to build four in Agadir further raised British fears – possibility of war. After 1911 the race was less intense as Britain pulled ahead – by 1914 Britain had 29, Germany 17. Germany did not seem to realise British fears. This did not cause the war, but made it more likely that Britain and Germany would oppose each other.

The Arms Race Developed as a response to armed camps which existed from Countries feared attack. Britain focuses on increased efficiency – Haldane. France increased period of military service from two to three years. Russia added 500,000 men. Germany added 200,

How did these events lead to the development of two armed camps? Why did war break out in 1914?