A “System of Alliances” The Outbreak of WWI A “System of Alliances”

Key Terms Congress System Kaiser Wilhelm II Weltpolitik Imperial Overstretch Entente Cordial (1904) Russo—Japanese War (1905) Austria—Russian Entente (1906) Anglo—Russo Entente (1907) German—Austrian Alliance (1908) Kontinentalpolitik (1911) The July Crisis of 1914: June 28—Duke gets shot! July 23—the ultimatum! July 28—Austria declares war! August 1 & 3—Germany declares war! August 4—Britain declares war!

The Congress of Vienna After 1815, the Congress of Vienna guaranteed the stability of Europe. Britain, Prussia, Russia and Austria agreed to enforce peace. “Congressional Europe” lasted until 1871 when Germany was created.

National representatives included the Austrian foreign minister Metternich, Alexander I of Russia, the British foreign secretary Castlereagh and military commander Wellington, and the French politician Talleyrand.

Kaiser Wilhelm II Chancellor of Germany, son of Wilhelm I. Believed Germany a military might. He wanted to show this to the world by selling his new war inventions, thus competing for world market domination. This is known as weltpolitik.

Weltpolitik Wilhelm’s foreign policy would promote a competitive Germany to the world through three areas: Nationalism: Germany’s culture, one of nearly a thousand years, would be on show for the world. Imperialism: Germany was just a capable of building an empire like the British through its strong economy. “Survival of the Fittest”: Wilhelm was determined to out-do the British in all areas of trade and foreign relations. In general, Wilhelm felt threatened by the imbalance of power the British held, particularly in terms of its navy. Germany was determined to pressure the British to join THEM in an arms race. Unfortunately (for Wilhelm) the British joined with France and Russia.

Imperial Overstretch Imperialism was beginning to take its toll on the British empire. By 1900, England was near financial ruin. Controlling one third of the earth was costing the British close to a trillion dollars. This becomes known as imperial overstretch. Reluctantly, the British begin relinquishing control of many of its colonies (ex. Canada, Australia) and began to concentrate on better relationships with its European neighbours.

Entente Cordiale (1904) The Entente Cordiale, a mutual agreement between Britain and France, resolved a number of longstanding colonial disputes, and established a diplomatic understanding between the two countries. Openly, the agreement did not support each nation militaristically, however there were secret articles that ensured each other protection against an attack, especially from Germany.

Entente Cordiale Germany saw the signing of this highly publicized event as a threat. They always wanted to isolate Britain and France, and now this was impossible. As a result, Germany began to strengthen its Navy.

Russo—Japanese War (1904—1905) While Britain and Germany were expanding in the West, Russia was colonizing in the East (Manchuria). Japan did not like this. They went to war. Russia’s navy was destroyed. Japan proved to be the dominant power in the East.

Russian Expansion After Russia lost the War, they needed help to rebuild its navy. Tsar Nicholas II believed this could be done through expansion into Europe for economic stability. Russia was mostly interested in the region of the Balkans.

Anglo—Russian Entente (1907) Because of Russia’s impeding empire in the Balkans, Great Britain became afraid that Russia might ally with Germany. Since England’s Edward VII and Russia’s Nicholas II were cousins, England asked Russia to form an alliance that would allow Russia to have access to the Eastern Balkans (Serbia) without any British interference.

Austro—Russian Entente Austria, a monarchy, felt threatened by Russia’s agreement with Britain so they asked Russia to focus on expansion in the Eastern Balkans and leave the Western Balkans (Bosnia) to Austria as they wanted to eliminate nationalism there. Since Russia was communist, it also opposed nationalism so it allied itself with Austria, thus forming the Austro—Russian Entente which would give both nations control in the Balkans.

Francis Joseph I of Austria Edward VII of England Nicholas II of Russia

Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany

Germany Germany now felt threatened by the alliances. On one side, Germany was surrounded by Britain and France. On the other, by Russia (Encirclement). Germany felt that it must gain support. It signs an agreement with Austria in 1908. Germany then goes to the Ottomans for naval support. Russia feels threatened so it steps up its navy. In 1911, Germany is forced to concentrate its foreign policy on affairs at home. It restructured its economy to build strong armed forces. By 1912, Germany becomes the most industrialized nation, surpassing Britain.

“…and now all that’s needed is a spark to start the war.”

The July Crisis

June 28, 1914 On this date, the Austrian heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand II, was on a “goodwill mission” to Bosnia to try and sway the “breakaway republic” to return to Austria. Unfortunately, he was assassinated by a member of the Serbian terrorist group the Black Hand, Gavrilo Princip.

Austria now wants a war with Serbia. Germany offered support to Austria and prepared for a preventative war, not wanting to be the aggressor. Other nations did the same. Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia demanding retribution for the Duke’s assassination before July 23, 1914 or they will attack Serbia. Serbia believed—and Austria feared—Russia would help Serbia as this was a violation of the Austro—Russian Entente. July 23 came… and went….

July 28, 1914 Austria declares war on Serbia.

The Austrian Declaration of War Vienna 28 July 1914 The Royal Serbian Government not having answered in a satisfactory manner the note of July 23, 1914, presented by the Austro-Hungarian Minister at Belgrade, the Imperial and Royal Government are themselves compelled to see to the safeguarding of their rights and interests, and, with this object, to have recourse to force of arms. Austria-Hungary consequently considers herself henceforward in state of war with Serbia. Count Berchtold

August 1, 1914 Germany declares war on Russia.

August 3, 1914 Germany declares war on France, because they are “encircled” and because of the Anglo—Russian Entente.

August 4, 1914 Great Britain declares war on Germany, because of the Entente—Cordiale. When Britain enters the war, it truly becomes global because all of her colonies had to fight.