Britain and France had been traditional enemies and their rival imperial ambitions had almost led to

war between them. However, by the end of the 19th century, relations between Britain and France
were becoming more friendly. What do you consider were the two main reasons for this?

Many historians would agree that Britain and France traditional rivalry increased during the 19th century,
mainly because both countries were striving to become the dominant power in the race for African
possessions. However, by the end of the 19th century, relations between Britain and France became more
friendly. There were many reasons for this.

The first reason was because both Britain and France felt threatened by Germany's growing military power.
In 1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany adopted the ‘weltpolotik’ foreign policy, which had the aim to
transform Germany into a global power through aggressive diplomacy, the acquisition of overseas colonies,
and the development of a large navy. The policy led to the rapid expansion of the German Navy
throughout successive Naval Laws. This threatened directly Britain's Naval Defence Act (two-power
standard), Britain had always had the best navy, and now her supremacy was being threatened. Regarding
France and following their defeat at the Franco-Prussian War, they felt resented, and now, threatened by
Germany’s increasing military power.

The second reason was because Britain and France needed to protect their colonial interests. Britain
couldn’t understand why Germany needed such a strong navy, since it didn’t have many possessions
overseas. Britain was also concerned by Germany’s acquisition of German East Africa, which directly
interfered with the British desire of building a railway between Cape and Cairo, which involved
controlling southeast african colonies. Regarding France, March of 1905, Kaiser Wilhelm II greeted the
Sultan of Morocco as an independent ruler, showing that it didn’t recognise French control over Morocco,
showing a threat to French african possessions as well.