World War 1

The Development of two Armed Camps (1890-

1914)

The Alliance System

•By 1914 the Great Powers had formed into two groups

•This created two opposing rival alliances in Europe

Glossary - Alliance

A commitment to provide military support for the other members of the alliance (allies)

In 1914 the two alliances were

The Triple Alliance•Germany•Austria-Hungary•Italy

The Triple Entente•France•Russia•Great Britain

Why Countries joined the Triple Alliance?

German and Austria-Hungary forms an Alliance in 1879, Creating the Dual – alliance

Germany fears an attackFrom France and Russia

Why?

Italy joins GermanyAnd Austria-HungaryIn 1882. CreatingThe Triple Alliance

Austria and RussiaAre rivals over theBalkansAustria requiresan ally againstRussia

Why Countries joined the Triple Entente

Franco-Russian alliance 1894

Why?

France and Russia fear an attack by the Triple Alliance

France wants revenge after 1871 Franco-Prussian War

Why Countries joined the Triple Entente

The Entente Cordiale 1904

Until the 1890’s Britain didn’t want to enter into an alliance with otherEuropean Powers.

Splendid Isolation

Britain believed that her navy and Empire was enough protection

After the Boer War Britain didn’twant to enter into further conflict over Colonies. In 1904 Britain andFrance agreed not quarrel over colonies, creating:

Why Countries joined the Triple Entente

The Anglo-Russian Entente 1907

•Britain also settled it’s colonial differences with Russia.

•Thus creatingThe Triple ententeGlossary: Entente – a

friendly understanding. Not a commitment to go to war

Armed Camps

As tensions increased in Europe each side increased spending on their armed forces

Conscript armies appeared in Germany and France

Military timetables were drawn up

Source from: International Cooperation and Conflict 1890s-1920s, Elizabeth Trueland

0

10203040

5060708090

100

Germany Austria Italy

188319081913

The Two Armed Camps

0102030405060708090100

Britain France Russia

188319081913

Annual spending onArms (£M)

Triple Entente

Triple Alliance