The Causes of WWI

Some Background

Building the Alliance System

• When Germany was created Bismarck built an Alliance (The Alliance of the Three Emperors) between Germany, Austria and Russia

• Broke down because both Russia and Austria had ambitions over former Ottoman land in the Balkans (The Eastern Question Again)

• Bismarck then formed a new Alliance – The Triple Alliance (Italy, Germany and Austria)

• However, he understood this would isolate Russia• So he signed a secret Treaty with Russia promising

neutrality (The Resurgence Treaty)

Kaiser Wilhelm’s Influence on the Alliances

• The Resurgence treaty had to be renewed every few years

• Kaiser Wilhelm allowed the Resurgence Treaty to expire – thinking that his personal relationship with Czar Nicholas would avoid war

• Russia, feeling very isolated, and not knowing why Germany would refuse to sign a treaty of peace, started talks with France

• France had been seeking any type of alliance against Germany after their humiliating defeat in 1871

The Kaiser’s Navy• Bismarck always understood that Britain was the key to peace• Britain was to busy managing its colonies and making money

to care about the affairs of Europe• Britain only got involved in European Politics for two reasons1. One country was too strong and was threatening to

dominate Europe2. Anyone was threatening her Naval Power – the British Navy

was the key to her trade Empire and her National defense• The Kaiser began to build a massive navy after Bismarck was

removed from office• This threatened British Interests and pushed them into an

Alliance with France and Russia

The Triple Alliance vs. the Triple Entente

• The Kaiser had succeeded in destroying Bismarck’s “Pax Germanica”• Under Bismarck, Germany was the country in Europe and was part of

the strongest Alliance in Europe• Russia (Resurgence Treaty) and Britain (Germany had no Navy and few

colonies)were also cool with Bismarck’s Germany• However, by building a Navy and not fostering a Relationship with

Russia – Kaiser Wilhelm toppled Bismarck’s balancing act• Germany was now facing a powerful alliance against them – led by

the French, who were desperate to avenge 1871 and re-establish themselves as the number 1 power in Europe

• The Kaiser lacked the political skill to re-establish ties with the Russians and British – instead he looked for a military way out

• The Schlieffen plan was built

Your Job Today

• Using your notes and your textbook, explain how the Following terms contributed to the start of the Great War

1. Militarism2. Nationalism3. Imperialism