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
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