EU tension in the late 19th century (1900-1914)

Question 1

the four reasons of why eu tensions increased in early 19th century (1900-1914)

Answer 1

1. extreme nationalism
2. colonial rivalries
3. alliance system
4. armaments race

Question 2

extreme nationalism in EU

Answer 2

Eu powers -> strengthen own position in EU and the world
willing to take any action
tensions increased among EU powers when national interests clashed

Question 3

examples of extreme nationalism

Answer 3

1. france -> eager to regain the prestige and territory lost in franco-prussian war (1871)
2. germany -> wanted to keep france weak and to become supreme superpower
3. A-H, russia -> explained influence in balkans
   tensions increased among EU powers when national interests clashed

Question 4

colonial rivalries

Answer 4

late 19th century -> EU powers committed to extend influence overseas
competed with one another for direct political control over territories in diff parts of world
1. provide needed raw materials
2. new markets for manufactured goods
3. colonies provide homes + jobs for growing populations

competition for colonies -> clashes and crises

Question 5

examples of colonial rivalries

Answer 5

1870-1914
almost entire non western world was divided among the great EU powers
Africa -> split into many parts
Asia -> colonised or split into semi-colonial spheres of influence

competition for colonies -> clashes and crises

Question 6

alliance system

Answer 6

Germany -> worried France might start war in revenge for her defeat in Franco-Prussian war
-> started forming alliances with other EU countries (eg A-H, Russia)
goals:
- isolate france
- keep france permanently weak
- maintain britain’s “splendid isolation”

Europe -> 2 opposing camps
unwilling to settle disputes peacefully (believed allies would give military support)

stirred up international tensions -> ww1

Question 7

Example of Alliance system

Answer 7

1882 -> Germany formed triple alliance (Italy, A-H, Germany)
Britain no action (in dispute with France and Russia over colonies)
Germany expands navy -> Britain alarmed + settled differences with France over Egypt, Russia
1907 -> triple entente (Britain, France, Russia)

stirred up international tensions -> ww1

Question 8

triple alliance

Answer 8

1882
Germany, A-H, Italy
promise military support

Question 9

triple entente year

Answer 9

1907
Britain, Russia, France
promise military support

Question 10

armaments race

Answer 10

late 19th century -> most powers believed in importance of military strength
“as long as nation strong, can defend self successfully + secure more benefits “
-> started to build up military forces

–> armaments race

increase arms -> fear and suspicion among powers
no one wanted to lag behind
2 international disarmament conferences -> none of powers had intentions to disarm -> race never stopped

Question 11

main rivals of armaments race

Answer 11

Britain vs Germany
Britain built first dreadnought in 1906 -> both rushed to build more

Question 12

why major European powers formed the two alliances to promise members military supports in case of war

Answer 12

Germany -> worried France might start war in revenge for her defeat in Franco-Prussian war
-> started forming alliances with other EU countries (eg A-H, Russia)
goals:
- isolate france
- keep france permanently weak
- maintain britain’s “splendid isolation”

Question 13

What did the European powers do to increase their military power before WWI?

Answer 13

1. Conscription
   all the adult males had to accept military training + serve military service.
   -> facilitate nationwide mobilization within a short period of time.
   1914 -> all European powers except Britain implemented conscription

army size of each country surged

2. Increase military expenditure
   European powers, especially Germany, France and Russia increased their military expenditures to
   expand their armies + navies
   improve their weapons.
3. Developed new weapons ( torpedoes, landmines, machine guns and submarines)
   - speed up mobilization
   + strengthen wartime capability of logistics supply
   - improved transport facilities, such as railways, roads and canals
4. devised new combat strategies.
   In 1905, Chief of the German
   General Staff Alfred von Schlieffen devised the Schlieffen Plan

Question 14

What 4 things did the European powers do to increase their military power before WWI?

Answer 14

1. Conscription
2. Increasing military expenditure
3. develop new weapons
4. devised new combat strategies

Question 15

why was the triple entente formed

Answer 15

britain feared germany’s naval expansion and seeks alliance during naval race
Germany expands navy -> Britain alarmed + settled differences with France over Egypt, Russia

Question 16

alliances after the franco-prussian war

Answer 16

1. Three emperors’ league (Germany Russia Austria Hungary) by bismarck but unsuccessful
2. Triple alliance after Wilhelm I took power (Germany Italy Austria Hungary)