european international relations (1871 – 1914)

Aims of the Major Powers

A.Germany1. Assure new boundaries gained

through unification2. Maintain positive relations with

Russia

B.France1. Become free from German

occupation2. Recover Alsace – Lorraine3. Revenge against Germany

C. Italy1. Acquire lands in North Africa

Aims of the Major Powers

D. England1. Create alliances to protect

colonies2. Maintain economic and

industrial advantagesE. Austria-Hungary

1. Extend territory into the Balkans

a. Turkey at this point was the stick man of Europe

F. Russia1. Catch up to western industry2. 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 1890 - 1914

A. Franco – Russian Alliance (1890)1. Post Bismarck2. Both needed allies3. Defensive alliance against

Germany

B. Colonial diplomacy brought France and England together

C. Triple Entente1. France, England, Russia

Alliances 1890 - 1914

D. Triple Alliance1. Germany, Austria –

Hungary, Italya. Italy had conflicts with

France over lands in N. Africa

Leading to War

A. The Nature of Alliances1. Allies agreed to specific actions in

case of war2. Alliances spread across Europe

a. Conflicts anywhere could expand

B. Armaments1. Nations had to keep peace with their

enemies

Leading to War

A. Imperialism1. Conflicting interests overseas

B.Propaganda1. Racism, nationalism and dislike of

other nations

C. Balkan Crisis1. Austria – Hungary annexed Bosnia

and Herzegovina in 19082. Serbians did not want to join Austria