AP EURO Unit #6 – Early 20th Century (The World Wars) Lesson #601a Causes of WWI

This part we’ll call BISMARCK’S GERMANY

The New Germany Remember Bismarck as the War monger of the wars of unification That all ended the day Kaiser William I was crowned… he went from “war hawk” to “dove” His new goal: avoid all war And, diffuse conflict with whatever Machiavelli means necessary or needed Why would he do that?

Example: Berlin Conference of 1878

Example: Berlin Conference of 1878 Was called by Bismarck to negotiate a peace in Europe following Russo-Turkish War of 1876-1878 Russia and Serbia attacked Ottomans to take land Russia took the Dardanelles Serbia took Bosnia Europeans saw this as an upset to Balance of Power – Bismarck called their leaders together Britain got Cyprus, France got Tunisia Austro-Hungary got Bosnia What did Russia and Serbia get? What will this mean for their relationship with Germany? Russians confused… Russia has saved Prussia from Napoleon in 1807

Berlin Conference of 1884

Berlin Conference of 1884

Berlin Conference of 1884 Prevent wars while claiming Africa Bismarck took leadership Was being seen as the creator of peace But, in both cases, what did Germany take? NOTHING Why is that?

Bismarck’s alliances The Three Emperor’s League (1873) The Dual Alliance (1879) Triple Alliance (1882) Reinsurance Treaty (1887) Look at your notes – second part Use that to answer some questions…

Three Emperor’s League Who was in it? What seems to be the purpose of it? What splintered it? What does Russia want? What does Austria want?

Dual Alliance Who was in it? Why? Why was this alliance vital for Germany? Bismarck’s “schtick” was to create alliances that would last only five years. Why might this be good for him, as the known leader of diplomacy? What would Bismarck need to do in order to never really worry about Britain? How is the Berlin Conference of 1884 an example of this policy Where was France as all this is happening?

Three Emperor’s League It collapsed when Russia pulled out. Why? Bismarck did not panic… he just waited… He was positive they’d find no other friends in Europe. What are the “major” powers? What made France and Britain so incompatible with Russia? Democracy vs. Dictatorship Evolved capitalism vs. crude agricultural economy Why would this play into Bismarck’s “hard to get” policy with Russia? Why was he pretty sure this “playing hard to get” will work, and Russia will return? Why might this be even BETTER for Germany?

Three Emperor’s League, renewal What was Russia doing 1878-1881? (look at the notes I gave on p. 3 of lesson #1) What happened in 1878? What did Russia soon learn? Think of Bismarck as a strict father figure. What do you think he’d expect from Russia if they allowed her “back in”? What must they allow for Austria to do? If you were Alexander III, what would you hope for? (he died 1894)

Triple Alliance Who was in it? Why would Italy join such an alliance? Why would Bismarck welcome this alliance? Who was the weak link? Why?

Reinsurance Treaty Who was in it? What had happened to the Three Emperor’s League? Why would this be necessary for Germany? What had Bismarck’s treaties assured would NOT happen? What did they prove about Germany? On what did all these alliance 100% depend?

Next Stage: Germany shifts In one moment, Germany went from a peace making state, to one which created tension Bismarck had been used to running Europe by playing on the fears of contenders What am I talking about? Europe had become a German run continent. Why was that a GOOD thing? No one seemed to mind being controlled by Bismarck and a powerful Germany. WHY?! What would be the worst thing to happen?

Next Stage: Germany shifts Then, it happened… old man Bismarck was fired by the new, younger, more ostentatious Kaiser William I died in 1888, passing power to grandson, who was eager to show German greatness Ambitious, arrogant, bombastic Filled with sense of German greatness Wanted what others had Like a Navy and empire like England’s Bismarck saw such nonsense as senseless

Next Stage: Germany shifts Bismarck stood in the way of Willy’s vision William set Germany on a course for greatness – to find her place in the sun! He fortified the alliance with Austria by casting off Russia – no need for that behemoth

What’s next? What is the obvious result of this? Give some details… Example: What does France want? Germany will build a fleet to challenge the British. How will Britain respond? If Germany is going to build a closer friendship with Austria, what must happen with Russia? Russia will need friends… who will it turn to? Serbia never liked Austria - why? Serbia had a big friend… who? Why?