Origins of WW I

Origins of WW I

Europe in 1914 was divided into arm camps through a series of bilateral treaties. After the War? these treaties described as "entangling alliances" were seen to be a major cause of World War I. France as a result of German seizure of Alscae and Loraine in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) was Germany's mortal enemy? but without allies did not dare to challenge the Germans again. Germany and Austria-Hungary became known as the Central Powers. Germany's major ally was Austria in part because they were both German speaking nations. Austria and Germany formed the Triple Alliance (1882). Bismarck also managed to maintain close relations with the Russians? but with increasing difficulty because of the conlict between Austria and Russia over the Balkans. After firing Bismarck? Kaiser Wilhelm II foolishly allowed the reinsurance treaty with Russia to lapse. The French seized on the opportunity to negotiate an alliance with the Russians? establishing a more equal European power ballance. Britain and France had been at each other's throats for centuries. Even at the turn of the 20th century? their were major imperialtic issues. Fear of Germany? however? drove the two togther. The two formed the Entente Cordiale (1904). Kaiser Wilhelm II's bombastic behavior and decission to build a major high seas fleet were major factors in pushing Britain and France together. Russia formed an Entente of its own (1907). These two armed camps ngaged in a major arm's race. Largely because of Kaiser Wilhem's incompetance? France was no longer isolated and still intent on recovering Alscae Loraine. It was widely thought after World War I that the alliance system had caused or at least played a major role in the outbreak of the War. The alliances are no seen as less important than the underlying causes? especially xenophobic nationalism.

Entangling Alliances

Europe in 1914 was divided into arm camps through a series of bilateral treaties. After the War? these treaties described as "entangling alliances" were seen to be a major cause of World War I. It was widely thought after World War I that the alliance system had caused or at least played a major role in the outbreak of the War. The alliances are no seen as less important than the underlying causes? especially xenophobic nationalism.

Pre-war Diplomacy

European diplomacy in the late 19th century was dominated by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. His principle goal was to keep France isolated. Kaiser Wilhelm's considered Bismarck to old and to cautious. Wilhelm dismissed Bismarck (1890) and allowed the key Reinsurance Treaty with Russia lapsed and French diplomats negotiated an alliance with Russia. Within only a few years of Bismarck's dismissal? Germany was faced with a formidable alliance system--the Triple Entant.

French Diplomacy

France as a result of German seizure of Alscae and Loraine in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) was Germany's mortal enemy. Bismarck had argued for a softer peace so as not to create an antagonistic France? but his advise was not accepted. France realized that challenging Germany again without allies was national ...