Bethmann-Hollweg, German Chancellor, told England’s Foreign Secretary that Germany had no intention on military occupation of Belgium or seizing Belgian territory. (Doc L). Germany crossed over into Belgium 4 August 1914, on that same day the UK declared war on Germany. Thus, the war may have possibly been an accident because Germany’s intentions were not fulfilled. It also may be possible to argue that WWI was an accident because the Great Powers took action in order to try to avoid war.
This tension can be recognised in the Moroccan Crisis in the years 1905 – 06 were Germany’s movements towards expanding were blocked by the Act of Algeciras. With the Germans only allies, Austria-Hungary, they were feeling encircled by the other great powers in the triple entente. Similarly to Geiss, Mombauer argues that this “blueprint for world power” was an expression of the Germans “striving for European hegemony”. European power meant having the power to take control of the other European powers, which they put pressure on by a naval bill in 1900 and 1906 which increased the navy by building 38 battleships
Example in histroy Neutrality in the Great War: 1914–1917 Since the 1870s, most of the major countries in Europe had been gearing for war with each other. Preparations had been subtle. The independent German kingdoms united in the 1870s and had quickly become the largest power on the continent. France meanwhile was arming heavily in case its centuries-old rival Germany chose to attack. Russia also feared the growing German threat and sought to ally itself with Great Britain, France, and even Germany itself for protection.
Soon in 1881 the Austro-Serbian Alliance was made by Austria-Hungary with Serbia to stop Russia achieving control of Serbia. A year later in 1882 The Triple Alliance was made by Germany and Austria- Hungary with Italy to stop Italy from following with Russia. Following by in 1894 Franco-Russian Alliance was made by Russia forming an alliance with France to protect against Germany and Austria-Hungary. Then later in 1904 the Entente Cordiale, it was an agreement between France and Britain and in 1907 Anglo-Russian Entente, the agreement between Britain and Russia. In 1907 the Triple Entente was formed between Russia, France and Britain to pledge the increasing danger and threat from Germany.
The Treaty came about after the “Three Emperors’ League” (Germany, Austria and Russia), collapsed because of disagreements between Austria-Hungary and Russia for spheres of influence in the Balkans. Each party would remain neutral if the other became involved in a war with a third great power; however this would not apply if Germany attacked France or if Russia attacked Austria. Although bad relations
Causes of the World War1 The world faced two brutal wars in the span of 25 years which changed the course of history. The first one popularly known as the Great War lasted for 4 years (1914-1918) much to the dismay of most nations. This answer will put forth what the causes for the Great War were and what impact did these causes have on the outbreak of war 1914. The world war one was fought between 2 hostile groups, namely the triple alliance and the triple entente. The former consisted of Russia, France and Britain, while the latter was formed by Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy too being a part of this for a brief period.
Germany at the time was the most powerful single country in Europe, but it’s weak allies required Germany’s support on their various fronts. Italy refused to enter WW1 and remained neutral. The lure of territorial gains convinced Italy to side with the Allies in May 1915. Russia had an alliance with Serbia and that brought the military efforts of both nations together to fight against the Central Powers. The core of the Allies was the treaty between France and Russia.
The British did not want to have war, but after hearing about the ultimatum that was sent to Belgium, Britain sent an ultimatum to Germany asking them to respect that Belgium was neutral. Germany refused, and on August 4th Britain declared war on Germany. In late August, Japan joined in on the war on the side of the allies. Turkey soon joined the war on the side of the Central Powers. By the end of 1914 the central powers consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and
He also created an alliance with Italy for the Austro-Prussian War, or Seven Weeks War by promising them Venetia if they helped divide Austria’s army. However, he used this alliance as a way for France to be without an ally during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. The Schleswig-Holstein Affair allowed Bismarck to take over Austria and obtain land for united Germany in which King Fredrick Wilhelm I could rule over. He was able to obtain Schleswig-Holstein by creating an alliance with Austria, just as a way to stop jealousy in Austria to stop the Dutch from taking over; they were successful. When the war was over, Austria received Schleswig and Prussia received Holstein.
World War 1 World War 1 began between the years of 1914 and 1918. World War 1 disappointed the European Continent putting France, Russia, and the United Kingdom against Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During this disagreement and war it spread through and into the Colonies of European empires. The war caused major destruction and many people in the world was stated to revise their opinion that they may have against Europe and how they was going to make Europe the center of progress and enlightenment. World War 1 there was a lot of fighting and a lot of people going against each other for their own beliefs and what they may have wanted that they couldn’t get so they had to fight in order to get what they want.