Alliance System
Triple Alliance Triple Entente
How did the nations of Europe find themselves in this situation?
In order to answer this question you need to focus on the events that occurred in continental Europe following the end of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. Germany’s role is very important.
Historical Context – 1870’s
Great Britain had adopted a policy of “Splendid Isolation” – which meant that it had chosen to stay out of the affairs of the nations of continental Europe as long as these nations did nothing to challenge the British status as the dominant global superpower. Traditional Order
France – British Enemy #1 Germany – Viewed as friendly state Following the end of the Franco- Prussian War of 1870-71 German unification is complete. Kaiser Wilhelm the First makes the decision to establish Germany as the dominant power in Continental Europe. He will challenge France to do this but has no intentions of challenging Great Britain. Task is given to his most senior advisor – Otto Von Bismarck.
Bismarck initiates an elaborate system of alliances aimed at isolating France within the confines of continental Europe.
• Dual Alliance – 1879 ( Austria-Hungary ) • Triple Alliance – 1882 (adds Italy ) • Reinsurance Treaty with Russia - 1887 Dual Alliance / Triple Alliance / Reinsurance Treaty These alliances accomplish two things for Germany • Isolates France • Does this without angering Great Britain • Avoids imperialism • No naval challenge
Turning Point - 1888
Kaiser Wilhelm 1 dies and is replaced by his “ambitious” son – Wilhelm II. Wilhelm II makes several mistakes
Fires Bismarck Allows Reinsurance Treaty with Russia to lapse – causes Russia to turn to France. Decides to challenge Great Britain • Imperialism • Naval race End Result – Two Rival Alliances
!894 – France and Russia 1907 – Great Britain joins (Triple Entente)
Actual Before WW1 Starts
Triple Alliance – Germany, Italy, Austria- Hungary Triple Entente – France, Russia, Great Britain Once WW1 starts
Central Powers – Germany, Austria- Hungary, Ottoman Turks Allied Powers – Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy (later)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htyue8x RS7M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Ufc 2hI4FM&safety_mode=true&persist_safe ty_mode=1&safe=active