Setting the Stage The Alliance System

Prologue Germany isolated France by diplomacy and Franco Prussian War Germany isolated France by diplomacy and Franco Prussian War Signs Reinsurance Treaties with Russia in 1880’s, to stay on friendly terms Signs Reinsurance Treaties with Russia in 1880’s, to stay on friendly terms Kaiser Willem I dies Kaiser Wilhelm II takes over Kaiser Willem I dies Kaiser Wilhelm II takes over

Wilhelm II and Bismarck Clash in two areas Wilhelm II and Bismarck Clash in two areas –Navy  Wilhelm wants to build it up; Bismarck wants to wait –Russia  Sees no reason to remain on Friendly terms with Russia

Reinsurance Treaty with Russia lapses. Reinsurance Treaty with Russia lapses. Kaiser is focused on military build up and influence in the Balkans. Kaiser is focused on military build up and influence in the Balkans.

Russia/ France the beginnings of an Alliance Russia Seeks new alliances Russia Seeks new alliances France had been giving large loans to Russia France had been giving large loans to Russia France is no longer isolated France is no longer isolated Germany now facing possible two front attack Germany now facing possible two front attack

Dual Entente 1895 France and Russia Create the Dual Entente 1895 France and Russia Create the Dual Entente 1.France would support Russia if Russia was attacked by Germany. 2.Russia would support France if France was attacked by Germany 3.If any member of the Triple Alliance mobilized then both dual Entente would mobilize.

Triple Alliance Germany/ Austria Hungary 1879 – Dual Alliance Germany/ Austria Hungary 1879 – Dual Alliance 1882 Italy Joins the Alliance 1882 Italy Joins the Alliance  Easier to negotiate land back from Austria  Fear of Attack from France  Desire for land off coast of Greece All made agreements to come to each others aid in the event France or Russia Attacked All made agreements to come to each others aid in the event France or Russia Attacked

Britain Germany reaches out to Britain in Friendship Germany reaches out to Britain in Friendship Britain refuses Germany ’ s overtures of friendship; prefers not to be entangled in continental affairs. Splendid Isolation Britain refuses Germany ’ s overtures of friendship; prefers not to be entangled in continental affairs. Splendid Isolation Definition: A refusal to become entangled in the issues of the continent Definition: A refusal to become entangled in the issues of the continent

Splendid Isolation Reasons to End isolation Reasons to End isolation –Relations with Germany: - Worries about being on the fringes of Europe - outstanding quarrels - reactions to the Boer War - and challenges to Britain's economic power.

End to isolation 1902 Anglo Japanese Treaty 1902 Anglo Japanese Treaty –If either Country was at war with just one other country then they would remain neutral –If at war with two nations the other would come to its aid

Signs the Entente Cordiale (friendly understanding) 1904 Signs the Entente Cordiale (friendly understanding) 1904 –Agreement with France to guard against ever present German threat –Britain would retain Egypt in return for the helping France to take over Morocco

Triple Entente 1907 Russia and Britain form an Entente solidifying the Triple Entente 1907 Russia and Britain form an Entente solidifying the Triple Entente Unlike Triple Alliance Unlike Triple Alliance –Countries not required to go to war in the event of an attack –Just provide Moral Support

Other Treaties and Secret Alliances Treaty of London 1867 Treaty of London 1867 –England promises to Protect Belgium’s Neutrality in the event of War Russia and Serbia sign a treaty Russia and Serbia sign a treaty –Russia will protect Serbia in the event of invasion Italy will sign a secret treaty with France not to attack each other Italy will sign a secret treaty with France not to attack each other