Triple Entente

• An alliance between Russia, Britain, and France to encourage cooperation against Germany as it
became a threat.
• Germany was concerned that it was becoming encircled.
• Europe was divided into two alliance systems - the Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy, and Austria-
Hungary) and the Triple Entente.

The Crisis Years (1905-1913)

I. The Moroccan Crisis (1905) - Germany attacked France in Morocco after it became worried by
the new relationship between France and Britain, the Germans demanded an international
conference to discuss the situation where they had little support and had to admit defeat,
results of this crisis were a disaster in Germany (did not gain notable concessions in North
Africa, strengthened the Entente Cordiale, several states have considered war, seen as a threat
to Britain)
II. The Bosnian Crisis (1908) -
III. The Second Moroccan (Agadir) Crisis (1911) - a conflict between Germany and France after
France sent troops to Morocco to suppress a revolt that had broken out and Germany saw this as
the beginning of a French takeover, this resulted increased tensions between European powers,
the entente between Britain and France was once again strengthened, increased tension and
hostility between Britain and France, German public was critical to the government’s handling
of the crisis,
IV. The First Balkan War (1912) - aim was for Slavs along with Russians to force Turkey from the
Balkans, Austria was horrified (could not accept a strengthened Serbia) and declared war,
threats for a wider European war, Austria-Hungary succeeded in containing Serbia by persuading
the conference to agree to the creation of Albania, more resentment was caused between
Austria and Serbia
V. The Second Balkan War (1913) - broke out after the disagreements over the spoils of the First
Balkan War, Bulgaria went into war with Serbia and Greece over the territory Serbia had
occupied, Serbia, Greece, and Turkey defeated Bulgaria, Bulgaria lost nearly all the lands that
they previously won, Serbia doubled in size and proved itself militarily, Austria-Hungary wanted
to crush Serbia
VI. The International Situation - deterioration in international relations, increasing division
between the two alliances, nationalist fever was rising, every subsequent crisis increased the
tension and made future conflict more likely, war was now inevitable

EVIDENCE (KEY VOCABULARY/PEOPLE/POLITICAL ENTITIES/EVENTS/POLICIES, DOCUMENTS, IDEOLOGY)

Nationalism created problems among many countries as more people believed in national identity,
and in countries like Austria-Hungary this became a major issue. By 1913, nationalism became a more
aggressive force in many major states.

Germany created nervousness and tensions among other European countries (France was particularly
hostile in its attitude towards Germany).

Bismarck worked at creating a web of alliances that would protect Germany from future attacks and
would allow it to work on consolidating its position in Europe.

Weltpolitk was a policy designed to turn Germany into a world power by building an overseas empire,
growing its world trade and increasing its naval power.

One of the main causes of tension between European powers was colonial rivalry.

The expansion of European nations as empires (also known as imperialism) resulted in increased
tensions among European countries.

Militarism played a part in causing the war due to the naval and arms race. Each of the major powers
considered itself and its military strength superior to others.

Literature, the press, and educational materials did much to prepare the public for Europe for war by
portraying it as something that would be short and heroic.

Increasing populations allowed countries to have standing armies and conscription was introduced.