Outbreak of WW1

Review Bismarck united Germany in 1871 through three wars and clever diplomacy After 1871, Bismarck became concerned with maintaining peace for Germany How had the unification of Germany changed European diplomacy? How had English and French imperialism affected German diplomacy? Which areas of Europe had been included in the Ottoman Empire?

1878 Congress of Berlin In 1875 Russo-Turkish War, Russia supported Slavic peoples in Balkans 1878 Congress of Berlin: gave voice to England, France, Germany to partition Ottoman European lands Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro put under Austrian control, but remained part of Ottoman Empire officially Britain given Cyprus; France given Tunisia; Russia given Bessarabia German diplomatic power recognized; balance of power sought and maintained

The Dual Alliance Alienation of Russia led Bismarck to conclude secret Dual Alliance treaty with Austria for mutual defense Bismarck expected reactionary Russia to stay unallied from republican France Italy joined Dual Alliance to counter French expansion in Mediterranean (Algeria etc.) Bismarck concluded neutrality pact with Russia Bismarck later dismissed by Wilhelm II, who wanted more aggressive build-up of navy: German diplomatic plans unraveled Emperor Franz Joseph

Increasing Tensions Political isolation drove Russia to ally secretly with France German ambitions drove Britain to ally with France; –Traditionally opposed France but allied with France in Crimea; cooperated at Congress of Berlin –Germany antagonized Britain over African colonies and ship building –1904 Entente Cordiale settled colonial differences between England and France 1908 Postcard celebrating Franco-British Exhibition and universal peace

1 st Moroccan Crisis 1906 William encouraged a Moroccan rebellion and demanded European conference Conference confirmed French control, foiling German hopes Britain signed entente with Russia, fearing German naval race and colonial meddling Russia and Austria agreed that Austria would seize Balkans and Russia would seize Dardanelles Austria took Balkans before Russia could act, humiliating Russia Germany, ignorant of Austrian plans, was forced to accept Austrian gains Italian Cartoon, 1915

2 nd Moroccan Crisis, 1911 France squashed Moroccan rebellion, which brought German warship to Morocco France conceded some Congo territory to Germany for German acceptance of French in Morocco Increased English fear of Germany Balkan Wars erupted when Italy attacked Ottoman Empire to gain Libya Tensions between Austria and Russia increased over role in Balkans, esp Serbia German ship, Panther, whose presence off Morocco helped trigger 2 nd crisis

Balkan Wars Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece fought against Ottoman empire to gain territory After defeating Turks, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece fought each other for land Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria all increased territory Serbs and Slavs resented Austria- Hungarian control over Balkan areas

1914 June 28, 1914: Serbian “Black Hand” terrorists/nationalists assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to Austrian throne Germany encouraged Austria to attack Serbia, and promised alliance Austria delivered ultimatum to Serbia, which Serbia accepted Despite acceptance, Austria attacked Serbia

1914 Russia mobilized forces in preparation for war against Austria Britain desperately pleaded for Austria to avoid war Germany’s Schlieffen Plan required defeating France before fighting Russia Germany mobilized, and invaded Belgium Britain and France mobilized to defend Belgium (and France)