SHHS-History - GCSE Year 11 Unit 1/ Topic 1: Origins of World War One Flashcards
(37 cards)
Which two countries formed the Entente Cordiale and when was it formed?
Britain and France. It was established in 1904.
What was meant by ‘Splendid Isolation’?
This was a deliberate foreign policy of the British government throughout much of the 19th century. Britain was happy to stay isolated from alliances with European powers, as long as no, one, individual country gained complete control. Britain felt that the size and strength of its empire meant that it did not need to rely on any other country.
What was the ‘three-power standard’ and what does it show?
It was established by Britain in 1902. It meant that the British navy should be at least as big as the next three largest fleets, in the world, combined. It was felt that it would guarantee naval superiority for Britain. The use of the ‘three-power standard’ shows that the British a Government were becoming concerned about the size of the German naval fleet, and the British ability to control the ‘balance of power’.
What is meant by the ‘Triple Entente’?
The agreements between France, Britain and Russia, which resulted in them becoming allies in the First World War. This was not a formal, military alliance, but the relationship between the countries (in particular Britain and France) did strengthen over time. The Triple Entente was completed when the Anglo-Russian Agreement (between Britain and Russia) was signed in 1907.
When was the Triple Alliance signed?
1882
Why was the Triple Alliance formed?
It was organised by Bismarck, the German Chancellor, after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The French were humiliated by the defeat and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. Bismarck felt the alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy would deter the French from seeking revenge.
Which countries formed the Triple Alliance and which other name is used to refer to this alliance?
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. They are sometimes referred to (generally Germany and Austria-Hungary) as the Central Powers.
When and why did France and Russia form the Franco-Russian Alliance?
- Both powers agreed to join the other in war if either was attacked by Germany or Austria-Hungary. France, in particular, was looking to strengthen its position against Germany after its humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. This alliance divided Europe into 2 armed camps.
What were the consequences of the Franco-Prussian War for France?
It was a humiliating defeat. They were forced to sign the Treaty of Frankfurt in 1871. In this treaty they had to hand the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany, and pay 5 billion francs in reparations.
Who was ruler of Germany in 1914?
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Who was the ruler of Russia in 1914?
Tsar Nicholas II
Who was ruler of Great Britain in 1914.
King George V
Who did Britain sign an alliance with in 1902?
Japan. It was known as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
What was ‘Weltpolitik’?
Kaiser Wilhelm’s foreign policy. It means ‘world policy’ and showed his desire to make Germany the greatest nation in the world, in other words achieve ‘a place in the sun’ for Germany. He was particularly jealous of the size of the British empire and navy.
What did ‘Weltpolitik’ lead the Kaiser to do?
Build up the German navy and challenge France in Morocco.
Why did the Kaiser visit Tangier, in Morocco, in 1905?
To make a show of supporting Moroccan independence, in order to challenge French attempts to increase their influence in Morocco. He rode through the the streets, in uniform, on a white horse, accompanied by a military band. He announced that Germany would support an independent Morocco and demanded an international conference to resolve issues over the future of Morocco.
What happened at Algeciras in 1906?
An international conference was held to discuss the future of Morocco. Only Austria-Hungary and Morocco supported Germany’s calls for an independent Morocco open to trade from all nations. Britain and Russia supported France. France was given joint control of the Moroccan police with Spain. The Kaiser was humiliated.
What were the main consequences of the 1st Moroccan Crisis?
The Kaiser was humiliated and felt more suspicious of the ‘entente’ between France, Britain and Russia (fuelling fears of encirclement). Britain was increasingly worried about the Kaiser’s foreign policy and began secret military talks with France,strengthening the Entente Cordiale. Britain and Russia signed the Anglo-Russian Agreement in 1907 completing the ‘Triple Entente’ and France felt more confident of British support against Germany.
What were the terms of the Anglo-Russian Agreement of 1907?
Britain and Russia agreed to recognise each other’s interests in Persia and Tibet. This was not a military alliance, but it was seen this way by Germany and consequentially heightened German fears of encirclement.
What happened in the Bosnian Crisis of 1908?
Austria-Hungary took advantage of a revolution in Turkey to annex the previously Turkish-controlled state of Bosnia. It did so without consulting its allies: Germany and Austria-Hungary. Serbia appealed to Russia for help in protesting about this. Russia demanded a conference to resolve the issue, but it backed down when Germany supported Austria.
What were the consequences of the Bosnian Crisis of 1908-09?
a) Austria-Hungary now felt confident of German support.
b) Italy became less keen on involvement in the Triple Alliance.
c) Russia felt humiliated and determined not to be so again.
d) It brought the countries of the Triple Entente closer in opposition to Germany.
e) Serbia was outraged and determined to oppose A-H, and believed it would have Russian support in this.
When was the 2nd Moroccan Crisis and why did it happen?
- Moroccan Sultan asked the French to help him put down a rebellion in Fez. Germany opposed further French influence in Morocco, and sent a gunboat, the Panther, to the port of Agadir, to protect German interests in Morocco. This was seen as a warlike act by Britain and France.
Why were the British particularly worried by German actions in the 2nd Moroccan Crisis?
As a result of the Naval Race. They feared Germany was planning to build an Atlantic naval base to challenge British naval superiority, and the British base at Gibraltar.
What were the consequences of the 2nd Moroccan Crisis?
Preparations/speeches about war were made in Britain, Germany and France. Germany backed down and accepted 2 marshy strips of land in Central Africa as compensation, but was further humiliated and resolved to stand firm in any future crisis. It was threatened by the way Britain had supported France, and it’s people were more willing to countenance war as a result. Britain was more convinced of the German desire to dominate Europe - this strengthened the Triple Entente and led to Britain and France making firm commitments to each other (Britain to defend the French Atlantic Coast and France, the Med). Italy opposed Germany and distanced itself from the Triple Alliance, making A-H Germany’s only firm ally. All this raised tension and made war more likely.
