The road to World War I introduction
Two key topics to study The creation of an Alliance system International rivalry
The Alliance system in 1914
Creating the system - Bismarck Otto von Bismarck Unifies Germany under Prussian leadership The North German Confederation 1867
Franco – Prussian war 1870-71 France is defeated Humiliated and punished by the treaty of Frankfurt Wants “revanche!”
Bismarck tries to keep Germany safe Keep France isolated Build up alliances with other countries – especially Russia and Austria-Hungary
Russia Empire with ambitions in the Mediterranean. Plans to expand into the Ottoman empire Protector of the Slavs in the Balkans
Austria-Hungary Multi-national empire Fears independent Slav states in the Balkans Plans to be dominant in the Balkans area
The Balkans powder keg
Bismarck tries to keep Russia and Austria-Hungary as friends – but fails Drei-Kaiser bund Dual Alliance Reinsurance treaty Mediterranean agreements Triple alliance