World War 1 The Development of two Armed Camps (1890-1914)

The Alliance System

•By 1914 the

Great Powers had formed into two groups

•This created two

opposing rival alliances in Europe Glossary - Alliance A commitment to provide military support for the other members of the alliance (allies)

In 1914 the two alliances were

The Triple Entente

•France •Russia •Great Britain

The Triple Alliance

•Germany •Austria-Hungary •Italy

Why Countries joined the Triple German and Austria Hungary forms an Alliance in 1879, Creating the Dual – alliance Alliance?

Austria and Russia Are rivals over the Balkans Austria requires an ally against Russia Why?

Germany fears an attack From France and Russia Italy joins Germany And Austria-Hungary In 1882. Creating The Triple Alliance

Why Countries joined the Triple Entente Franco-Russian alliance 1894 Why?

France wants revenge after 1871 Franco Prussian War France and Russia fear an attack by the Triple Alliance

Why Countries joined the Triple Entente Splendid Isolation Until the 1890’s Britain didn’t want to enter into an alliance with other European Powers.

Britain believed that her navy and Empire was enough protection After the Boer War Britain didn’t want to enter into further conflict over Colonies. In 1904 Britain and France agreed not quarrel over colonies, creating: The Entente Cordiale 1904

Why Countries joined the Triple Entente The Anglo-Russian Entente 1907

•Britain also

settled it’s colonial differences with Russia.

•Thus creating

The Triple entente Glossary: Entente – a friendly understanding. Not a commitment to go to war

Armed Camps As tensions increased in Europe each side increased spending on their armed forces Conscript armies appeared in Germany and France Military timetables were drawn up Source from: International Cooperation and Conflict 1890s-1920s, Elizabeth Trueland

The Two Armed Camps Triple Alliance 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Germany Austria Italy 1883 1908 1913 Annual spending on Arms (£M) Triple Entente 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Britain France Russia 1883 1908 1913