1. Casus Belli

2. 1871
Alliance system
Nationalism
Arms Race
Sarajevo
“The lights are going out”

3. 1871

4. Europe in 1871 The world was a much better place in 1871
Capitalism had created abundant affluence
La belle époque (the golden age)
International law ensured everyone had rights and they were respected by others
But there was a serious gap between reality and theory –the Great Powers dominated - Britain, Germany, Austria, Russia, Italy, France
They were spokesmen for the Concert of Europe

5. Peace and stability was based on the balance of power
An attack against one was an attack against all
Liberal ideals were being replaced by more conservative thoughts
Western Europe was considered solidified national units
The unification of Germany had involved 3 wars and humiliated France
France lost the Franco-Prussian war and also Alsace and Lorraine

7. The Alsace-Lorraine Problem
Alsace had been part of the HRE but had been French for over 200 years
Lorraine was wholly French in population
The Germans hoped the French would accept the loss they were wrong!
A modern Europe required a German state, but which lands would that involve?
Nowhere did political frontiers match lines of nationality
Gladstone supported every countries’ claim to independence
Yet eastern Europe was a quilt of countries wanting independence

9. Eastern Europe
Rumania had been created in 1871 and had been ruled by the Turks, Germans, and Austrians
Poland was a bigger issue because it lay in the borders of 3 other countries – Prussia, Austria, and Russia
Bismarck had supported Russia repression of the Poles in exchange for Russian neutrality in the Franco-Prussian War 1870
There where 4 great empires in eastern Europe: Germany, Russia, Austria, Turkey (Ottoman)

10. The Balkans There were also 4 independent countries:
Serbia, Montenegro, Rumania, Greece
They all shared 2 traits: a) hatred of the Turks b) the ability to be friends with Great Powers

11. Austria
Austria had an empire but it wasn’t a nation – it was entirely comprised of minorities
1860 Austria was defeated by the French
1866 Austria was defeated by the Germans
By 1867 Austria was neither a German nor Italian power but it had millions of both
In 1867 Austria-Hungary was created – 2 countries – 1 ruler, hence the Dual Monarchy
Hungary was ruled by the Magyars, very pro-German and anti-Slav and anti-Russian

13. European Beliefs in the Early 20th Century
Nobody could afford a war
There would be no winner
The growth of pacifism -war was a thing of the past - we were civilized.
Europe had seen almost 100 years of peace (1871 minor war)
It would be the localized Third Balkan War that would become World War I

14. Business prevented any island from being isolated
Foreign investment was large in every country
Better communication, cheap newspapers
Better educated people would prevent war
Even victory would be expensive Ivan Bloch - The Future of War Norman Angell The Great Illusion (1910) won the Nobel Prize
The problem was that there was no means for negotiating peace

15. European Countries Controlled the World
Germany - won the Franco-Prussian war, gained Alsace and Lorraine, wanted to isolate France, economic stability, led by the Iron Chancellor Bismarck, little interest in colonialism, unified.
France - lost Alsace and Lorraine, weak military, imperialistic in Asia and Africa.
Great Britain - “splendid isolation”, colonial conflicts with France and Russia

16. Austria - wanted to limit Slavic nationalism on southern border and hostile nationalism within the borders
Russia - very imperialistic throughout the century – but overland: in the Balkans; disputes with Austria over Slavs; Ottomans; Japanese
Italy - interest in North Africa led to disputes with France.
The Balkans - a politically unstable region comprised of many ethnic groups. Mostly Christian.
United States - not involved in global affairs

17. Alliances

18. The Russo-Turkish War 1877-8
Bulgaria revolted against Ottoman Empire (Turks) “sick man of Europe”
Turks slaughter thousands of Slavs
Serbia and Montenegro declared war on Ottomans
Russia declares herself protector of the Slavs
Ends with the Treaty of San Stafano

19. Treaty of San Stefano
Increased Russian power in the Balkans and threatened the Austrians
At the Congress of Berlin (1878) Bismarck(Honest Broker) created:
Independence for: Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania
Austria received the right to administer Bosnia and Herzegovina
Russia wishes to dominate a new Bulgaria (windows to the west) and gains land in the Caucuses

21. The Driekaiserbund
1879 Germany and Austria signed the Dual Alliance - which remained in place for almost 40 years
The Three Emperors’ League created by Bismarck to keep Austria and Russia at peace
Germany - Kaiser Wilhelm II
Austria - Emperor Francis Joseph
Russia - Tsar Alexander

22. 1881 Driekaiserbund was revived: a) Acknowledged Russia had interest in Bulgaria b) Austria had interest in Bosnia- Herzegovenia c) promised neutrality if anyone was attacked by a fourth power

23. Birth of the Triple Alliance
1881 France makes Tunisia a protectorate
Italy seeks allies
1882 Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria, Italy a) both would help Italy if Italy attacked by France b) Italy would help Germany if France attacked c) the treaty did not apply to Britain
Germany has treaties with Austria, Italy, Russia, and on good terms with Great Britain

24. End of Driekaiserbund 1883 Austria and Rumania (later Germany added)
1887 Driekaiserbund not renewed because of problems between Austria and Russia
1887 Germany -Russia sign Reinsurance Treaty a) extremely secretive b) in the event of war both would stay neutral except: if Austria is attacked by Russia or France is attacked by Germany c) Germany promised to promote Russian goals in the Balkans

25. Reinsurance Treaty (1887)
Russia dissolved Three Emperors’ Treaty because of tensions in the Balkans
Signs new treaty with Germany - both stay neutral unless: Germany attacks France or Russia attacks Austria
1890 Bismarck is dismissed
France signs a military alliance with Russia – aimed at Britain in the Med.

26. British-German Tension
1896 Kaiser William sent a telegram to Transvaal President Kruger offering support
Germany also starts to increase naval power
The Fashoda Crisis forced France to reevaluate their foreign policy
1902 Britain signs the Anglo-Japanese Alliance
1904 Anglo-French Entente Britain recognizes French claims to Morocco France recognizes British claims to Egypt
1900 German prestige had deteriorated drastically
“Weltmacht” (world power) Germany wanted to be an equal of Britain and France