The Alliance System and Tensions in Europe (1905)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the alliance system and tensions in Europe leading up to World War I.

Triple Alliance

An alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to protect themselves against rivals.

Triple Entente

An alliance formed by Russia, France, and Great Britain to counter the threat from the Triple Alliance.

Entente Cordiale

A friendly agreement between Britain and France, established to ensure mutual support.

Alsace-Lorraine

A region taken by Germany from France after the Franco-Prussian War, causing ongoing rivalry.

Kaiser Wilhelm II

The German Emperor from 1888 until the abdication in 1918, known for his militaristic and imperial ambitions.

Franco-Russian Alliance

An alliance between France and Russia formed in 1892, aimed at countering German power.

Weltpolitik

The foreign policy adopted by Kaiser Wilhelm II aimed at transforming Germany into a global power through colonial expansion.

HMS Dreadnought

A revolutionary battleship launched by Britain in 1906 that marked the start of the naval arms race.

Schlieffen Plan

A German war plan designed to defeat France quickly and then redirect forces to fight Russia.

Plan 17

The French military strategy aimed at reclaiming Alsace-Lorraine by launching an immediate attack against Germany.

Nationalism

A strong identification with one's own nation, often leading to a sense of superiority over other nations.

Imperial Rivalry

Competition among European powers for colonies and resources that increased tensions leading up to WWI.

Economic Rivalry

The competition among Great Powers over trade, markets, and economic dominance, contributing to the outbreak of war.

Arms Race

The competition between nations to build up armed forces and weaponry, particularly in naval and military power.

Great Powers

The six major European countries in the early 20th century: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, France, Russia, and Great Britain.