Aims of the Major Powers A.Germany 1.Assure new boundaries gained through unification 2.Maintain positive relations with Russia B.France 1.Become free from German occupation 2.Recover Alsace – Lorraine 3.Revenge against Germany C.Italy 1.Acquire lands in North Africa

Aims of the Major Powers D.England 1.Create alliances to protect colonies 2.Maintain economic and industrial advantages E.Austria-Hungary 1.Extend territory into the Balkans a.Turkey at this point was the stick man of Europe F.Russia 1.Catch up to western industry 2.Limit power of Austria in the Balkans

Change in Military Policy After 1871 A.Some countries adopt compulsory military service (except England) 1.There was a belief across the continent that war was imminent B.Countries rush to create new alliances 1.Dual Alliance Germany – Austria (1879) a.Germany and Austria would come to each other’s aid if attacked by Russia. Would remain neutral if attacked by another country b.France and Russia were a common concern

Alliances A.Franco – Russian Alliance (1890) 1.Post Bismarck 2.Both needed allies 3.Defensive alliance against Germany B.Colonial diplomacy brought France and England together C.Triple Entente 1.France, England, Russia

Alliances D.Triple Alliance 1.Germany, Austria – Hungary, Italy a.Italy had conflicts with France over lands in N. Africa

Leading to War A.The Nature of Alliances 1.Allies agreed to specific actions in case of war 2.Alliances spread across Europe a.Conflicts anywhere could expand B.Armaments 1.Nations had to keep peace with their enemies

Leading to War A.Imperialism 1.Conflicting interests overseas B.Propaganda 1.Racism, nationalism and dislike of other nations C.Balkan Crisis 1.Austria – Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in Serbians did not want to join Austria