Europe Pre WWI

Europe Pre WWI Maintaining Peace During the 1880s-1910s European nations had been at peace with one another There were efforts to outlaw war and many peace organizations were active Maintaining Peace During the 1880s-1910s European nations had been at peace with one another There were efforts to outlaw war and many peace organizations were active Rising Tensions in Europe Imperialism (forceful extension or domination of another nation, politically or economically) fueled nationalism (deep devotion to one’s country) Nationalism can serve as a unifying force within a country, but can cause intense competition among nations. Rising Tensions in Europe By 1900 a fierce rivalry developed among Europe’s Great Powers: ● Germany ● Austria- Hungary ● Great Britain ● Russia ● Italy ● France The Great Powers competed for materials, markets, and territory Rising Tensions in Europe A product of the Industrial Revolution was the advancement in military technology including machine guns, and airplanes The nations of Europe believed that to be truly great they needed to have a powerful military By 1914 all the Great Powers, except Great Britain, had large armies Rising Tensions in Europe The policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war was known as militarism Having a large and strong army made citizens feel patriotic but it frightened some. Let’s take a step back, about 50 years (1860s+) for 9 slides Brief History of German Unification By the 1800s the Germany we know today consisted of 39 independent states, the largest was Prussia These states shared the same culture and industry brought them closer together Most Countries in Europe did not want a unified Germany (too powerful) Leader of German Unification Otto von Bismarck - prime minister of Prussia Builds up Prussian military Authoritarian Bismarck's Beliefs Wanted strong government & army to unify Germany Embraced Realpolitik (politics of reality) = right of a country to pursue its self-interest by any means, including war. Bismarck’s Plan Bismarck will use nationalism and war to unify and bring Germany together. Step 1: Nationalism Nationalism – loyalty and devotion to your nation. German states share the same culture but no actual country Bismarck wants to use nationalism to unify the German states He will obtain nationalism through war Step 2: Austro-Prussian War (1866) Bismarck stirs up a border dispute with Austria who declares war Prussia wins war in 7 weeks Austria gave German territory to Prussia Causes a boost in nationalism in smaller German states Northern German Confederation Step 3: Franco-Prussian War (1870s) Felt that a war and victory over France would lead to more nationalism and the rest joining Due to political issues and Bismarck tampering with a letter, France declares war on German Confederation France is defeated and last of German states join Last major European war before WW1 Germany won Alsace-Lorraine region of France France was bitter Outcome Germany is unified in 1871 Bismarck becomes Chancellor of Germany Now, major powers in Europe are: ● Britain ● France ● Austria ● Russia ● Germany Now back to the 1900’s Tangled Alliances Growing rivalries and mutual mistrust led to several military alliances among the Great Powers The alliance system had been designed to keep peace in Europe Triple Alliance ● Germany ● Austro-Hungary ● Italy Formed in 1879 Triple Entente ● Great Britain ● France ● Russia Formed in 1907 Europe in 1913 Germany is a new major power in the world Britain & France feel threatened In 1908, Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many inhabitants not happy Serbia wanted Bosnia to join them Instructions: Your will be assigned to a group: ● Bismarck’s Advisors (Prussia) ● French Government Officials ● European Press / Neutral Observers Read the telegram Complete your group’s task: ● Bismarck’s Team: Edit the telegram to provoke France. ● French Officials: Write a short angry response. ● Press: Write a dramatic newspaper headline and short blurb. Be prepared to share with the class