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Dual Alliance
The Dual Alliance Agreement was a defensive move by German Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck as the fimal stage of his system of alliances. The Dual Alliance was between Germany and Austria Hungary, this alliance prevented war in the short term but in the long term would initiate a standover relationship over Europe "scaring Russia and France into each others arms." -
Resignation of Bismarck
In 1888 when the new Kaiser came into power (Wilhelm II) he opposed Bismarck's foreign policy. He preferred a aggressive foreign policy including rapid colonial and military expansionto protect Germany's "place in the sun." The also meant the end to the Re-insurance treaty which was crucial to the isolation of France and keeping Germany's neighbour and the Europes most populous nation Russia neutral. -
Dual Entente
(Don't know the exact date) First political and military pact between France and Russia. One of the first basic alignments before the WW1 era. France wanted support if Germany would attack whilst Russia wanted support in the Balkans against Austria. -
Entente Cordiale
First Treaty signed by Britain and France, it addressed the current colonial disputes of which the most important was addressed in the Declaration respecting Egypt and Morocco. The French would promise not to obstruct Britains actions in Egypt whilst the British in return gave the French the authority to "preserve order...and provide assistence" in Morocco. -
Moroccan Crisis I
Germany thought of itself to be militarily superior compared to their westerly neighbour France. 1905, many of the German military high command thought that this was a year to settle Franco-German disputes as well as re-isolate France who now had a strong allie in the form of Britain. Kaiser Wilhelm therby visited Morocco declaring his support for it's independence and demanding an international conference to settle Morocco's status. -
Algericas Conference (Moroccan Crisis I)
The Algericas Conference had the reverse affect of what Germany desired, France was guarenteed her sphere of influence over Morocco. Germany was diplomatically outmanoeuvred with the only support coming from the other half of the Dual Alliance, Austria-Hungary. The Entente Cordiale had now a hardened attitude towards Germany with French and British generals already beginning to discuss the possibilities of fighting Germany in a European war. -
Triple Entente
Since Russia was no longer associated with Germany or Aust-Hun through the DreiKaiserBund or Re-insurance treaty coupled with the deteriating relationship due to incidents such as the Balkan wars, Bosnian crisis Russia was looking for an Ally. France no longer wanted to be isolated. All 3 powers were especially worried at Germany's booming economy, military strength and aggressive mentality. They needed each others support if a war were to break out. Now two opposing alliance systems in Europe. -
Bosnian Crisis
Russia loses respect for Aust.-Hun. and becomes enraged due to Austria's foreign minister announcing an annexation in the Balkin's before Russia which was contrary to their previous agreement. Serbia is also inflamed condemning Aust.-Hun.'s actions, which lead to mobilization by Aust.-Hun. A Euro. war was prevented however with British mediation and Russia giving in to German demands. Russia now became more dependent on Franco-Anglo support as well as supporting Panslavism in Serbia. -
Moroccan Crisis II
Against the terms of the 1906 agreement of the Algericas Conference, France sent troops into Morocco's capital Fez to uphold order and protect foreigners. Germany in retalliation sent a gunboat, "Panther." This was an colossal over-reaction by Germany which again, like the Mor. Crisis I increased the tension and wearyness of Britain and France towards Germany's aggressive nature. The Anglo-Franco alliance was again strengthened with Germany only recieving territory in the Congo as compensation. -
First Balkan War (Turkey-Italy War + Balkan League-Turkey War)
A war between Italy and Turkey was nitiated by an Italian decision to seize Tripoli from the weakening Turkish empire. This caused immense fear in the sourrounding Balkan nations who were worried of the possible Austrian takeover of the remaining nations previously owned by Turkey. To prevent this the Balkan League was formed with Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Montenegro. The B.League attacked Turkish forces in the Balkans driving the Turks back and dividing up the territory they had gained. -
First Balkan War (Austria-Hungary vs Serbia + Russia)
The great powers of Europe intervened in the Balkans causing a major disruption to the European balance of Power. The first of these disruptions include the scuffle between Austria and Serbia over being aloud access to the sea. Russia became involed, the hostility of the Austro-Russian relationship was now peaking with Russia standing by their "Slav cousins." Germany was not a major belligerent however it desired Russia's gains in the region to be limited. France and Britain played mediators. -
First Balkan War 1912 (Possibility of War)
Russia and Austria-Hungary both partially mobilised and a European was seemed possible. Tensions were rapidly increasing with militarism, imperialism, the alliance systems and nationalism all playing a major role. War was averted with Germany refusing to support Austrian plans for war, Germany and Britain also posed as mediators by supporting a conference in 1913 London for a peaceful solution. (Serbia not granted sea access but compensated with land elsewhere). Partial win for the Austro-Hung.
