Aims of the Major Powers
A.Germany1. Assure new boundaries gained
through unification2. Maintain positive relations with
Russia
B.France1. Become free from German
occupation2. Recover Alsace – Lorraine3. Revenge against Germany
C. Italy1. Acquire lands in North Africa
Aims of the Major Powers
D. England1. Create alliances to protect
colonies2. Maintain economic and
industrial advantagesE. Austria-Hungary
1. Extend territory into the Balkans
a. Turkey at this point was the stick man of Europe
F. Russia1. Catch up to western industry2. Limit power of Austria in the
Balkans
Change in Military Policy After 1871
A. Some countries adopt compulsory military service (except England)
1. There was a belief across the continent that war was imminent
B. Countries rush to create new alliances
1. Dual Alliance Germany – Austria (1879)a. Germany and Austria would come to
each other’s aid if attacked by Russia. Would remain neutral if attacked by another country
b. France and Russia were a common concern
Alliances 1890 - 1914
A. Franco – Russian Alliance (1890)1. Post Bismarck2. Both needed allies3. Defensive alliance against
Germany
B. Colonial diplomacy brought France and England together
C. Triple Entente1. France, England, Russia
Alliances 1890 - 1914
D. Triple Alliance1. Germany, Austria –
Hungary, Italya. Italy had conflicts with
France over lands in N. Africa
Leading to War
A. The Nature of Alliances1. Allies agreed to specific actions in
case of war2. Alliances spread across Europe
a. Conflicts anywhere could expand
B. Armaments1. Nations had to keep peace with their
enemies
Leading to War
A. Imperialism1. Conflicting interests overseas
B.Propaganda1. Racism, nationalism and dislike of
other nations
C. Balkan Crisis1. Austria – Hungary annexed Bosnia
and Herzegovina in 19082. Serbians did not want to join Austria