The First World War 1914-1918

Annotations:

• By the early 20th Century, the great powers of Europe had divided into two camps. It was assumed that this would act as a deterrent. No country would dare attacking another as the country under attack would be helped by its allies.

1. Triple Alliance

   Annotations:

   • -Germany -Austria-Hungry -Italy
2. Triple Entente

   Annotations:

   • -Great Britain -France -Russia

1. Economic
2. Imperial

   Annotations:

   • Colonies were sought after due to the economic advantage as with the rise of industrialism countries brought new markets. They also brought a country power, prestige and could help build up a countries arm and military advantage. Kaiser Wilhelm II was very envious of the empires of France and Britain. He believed that Germany had the right to build an empire to rival theirs. He said; "Germany should have its place in the sun". However, to build such an empire would likely mean taking colonies away from other countries which could be a problem.
   1. Moroccan Crises (1905-6 and 1911)

      Annotations:

      • The 1st Crisis (1905) -Morocco was an issue as the French believed they had a special right to the country -In 1905 Kaiser Wilhelm visited Tangier, in Morocco, and made a speech saying that he favoured Moroccan Independence. -In reality he was trying to split the new alliance between France and Britain. The two countries had sighed the Entente Cordiale in 1904 which he wanted to test. -The speech made the French very angry as they were trying to control Morocco. France and Britain had to have a conference to discuss what to do. -Germany's plan failed as the whole thing made Britain and France closer and Britain even agreed to send troops to France if Germany ever attacked.
      • The 2nd Crisis (1911):-Germany demanded large areas of French territory in central Africa which the French refused to do which angered Germany -France sent troops to Morocco to put down a rebellion however they didn't withdraw and took control of the country. This also angered the Kaiser.-The Kaiser sent a gunboat, the Panther, to the Moroccan port of Agadir as a threat. -Britain's naval fleet was put on war footing as they promised to aid France if Germany attacked. -However the Kaiser backed down when France and Britain stood firm. -As a result of the crisis, France and Britain became closer still and France took full control of Morocco -As a way to try to pacify Germany, France gave it 100,000 square miles of the French Congo. However the land mostly useless.
3. Military

   Annotations:

   • A navy was very important for countries as it would help to get colonies and also keep and protect them. The large navy also shows power and brings respect. It can also protect the country from overseas threats.  
   1. Naval Race

      Annotations:

      • The UK designed the most advanced the most advanced naval boats of the time, the "dreadnought" in 1906. Germany became very jealous and so decided to steal the design and try to build more of these ships that the UK. Kaiser Wilhelm announced that Germany was going to build 41 battleships and 61 cruisers.
      • In 1908 an "Arms Race" broke out

1. The Ottoman Empire
2. Balkan Nationalism
3. Austro-Serbian Rivalry
4. Bosnian Crisis
5. Balkan War

1. Heligoland Bright
2. Dogger Bank
3. Jutland