World War I Lead Up Timeline 1870-1913 (Key Concepts)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key people, events, and concepts that led up to World War I based on the provided lecture notes.

Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871)

War in which a coalition of German states led by Prussia defeated France, leading to the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, German unification, and a shift in the European balance of power that contributed to future alliances and an arms race.

Alsace-Lorraine

Territories annexed by Germany after the Franco‑Prussian War, fueling French resentment and revenge ambitions.

German Unification (1871)

The bringing together of various German states into the German Empire under Prussian leadership, altering Europe’s balance of power.

Austro-German Alliance /Dual Alliance(1879)

A pact between Austria-Hungary and the German Empire pledging mutual support if attacked by Russia; otherwise neutral.

Triple Alliance (1882)

Secret agreement among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy: mutual defense against France; Italy would aid Germany if France attacked; Germany and Austria-Hungary would aid Italy if attacked by France.

Berlin Conference / Congo Conference (1884–85)

European powers met to regulate Africa’s partition, establishing guidelines and recognizing claims, while African representation was absent.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid and competitive colonization and division of Africa by European powers in the late 19th century.

Weltpolitik (1890s)

Kaiser Wilhelm II’s policy to transform Germany into a global power, pursuing colonial expansion and a more assertive foreign policy, contributing to an arms race.

Dismissal of Bismarck (1890)

Removal of Otto von Bismarck, ending his balanced diplomacy and enabling a more aggressive German foreign policy.

Heligoland (German acquisition)

Germany’s acquisition of the island of Helgoland from Britain, strengthening its naval position.

Franco-Russian Alliance (1892)

A treaty of mutual consultation and support between France and Russia to counter the German-led powers.

Russo-French Rapprochement / Dual Entente (1894–95)

Close alignment of Russia and France against the Triple Alliance, setting the stage for broader European conflict.

Sino-Japanese War (1894–95)

War between Japan and China over influence in Korea; Japan’s victory signaled rising East Asian power and China’s decline.

Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)

End of the Sino-Japanese War; China ceded Taiwan and other terms, heightening Japan’s regional influence.

Fashoda Incident (1898)

Diplomatic confrontation between Britain and France in Sudan over Africa, resolved peacefully and contributing to the Entente Cordiale.

Naval Law (First Navy Law, 1898)

German legislation to expand the navy to rival Britain’s Royal Navy, including battleships and cruisers.

Hague Convention (1899)

International conference establishing norms for warfare and the protection of civilians, and regulating certain weapons.

Naval Law (Second Navy Law, 1900)

German expansion of the navy, doubling its size to strengthen naval power.

Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902)

Military alliance between Britain and Japan to counter Russian influence in East Asia.

Entente Cordiale (1904)

Agreement between Britain and France settling colonial disputes and aligning them against German influence.

Moroccan Crisis I / Tangier Crisis (1905–06)

Kaiser Wilhelm II’s support for Moroccan independence and calls for an international conference, heightening Franco-British concerns about Germany.

Algeciras Conference (1906)

Conference to address Moroccan tensions; reaffirmed Morocco’s independence and established a police force under international oversight.

Hague Conference (1907)

Establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and conventions regulating warfare and international conduct.

Triple Entente (1907)

Diplomatic alliance among the United Kingdom, France, and Russia to counter the Triple Alliance.

Anglo-Russian Entente (1907)

Agreement between Britain and Russia clarifying spheres of influence in Central Asia and Persia and improving Great Power relations.

Bosnian Crisis (Annexation) (1908)

Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenging the Treaty of Berlin and provoking Russian opposition.

Moroccan Crisis II / Agadir Crisis (1911)

Germany’s gunboat action in Morocco; Britain’s support for France heightened tensions and tested alliances.

Treaty of Fez (1912)

Agreement between France and Spain dividing influence in Morocco, increasing European colonial control.

Balkan War I (1912–13)

Balkan League’s campaign against the Ottoman Empire, leading to territory gains and the Treaty of London in 1913.

Balkan War II (1913)

Conflict among Balkan League members over territory; Bulgaria attacked by Serbia and Greece; Romania and the Ottoman Empire joined against Bulgaria; ended by the Treaty of Bucharest.

Treaty of Bucharest (1913)

End of the Second Balkan War; redrew borders in the Balkans and greatly diminished Bulgarian territory.