CH Alliances Quiz Nov 2025 R. Lipson

Triple Alliance (1882)

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy’s attempt to isolate France

Definition of nationalism, pre WWI

The desire of ethnic groups to have their own independent nation-state

Triple Entante

With Great Britain, France, and Russia (rivalled to the triple alliance)

Who did the Triple Alliance fear?

Russia

Why did France and Russia form an alliance in 1894?

Becasue Germany was powerful and surrounded France

What was ‘The Black Hand’?

A secret Serbian nationalist group

Definition of nationalism in WWI

A strong belief that one’s own country is superior to all others, often leading to aggressive foreign policy

How did the alliance system contribute to the outbreak of a world war?

It created a domino effect where a conflict between two nations pulled in their allies

How did french nationalism contribute to pre-war tensions

Many in France had a deep desire for ‘revenge’ against Germany and to reclaim Alsace-Lorraine.

The ‘blank check’ in July crisis of 1914

Germany’s unconditional promise of support to Austria-Hungary if it took action against Serbia

Historians use the metaphor: ‘The Balkan Powder Keg' when referring to…

The intense nationalist tensions and rivalries in the Balkan region, ready to explode.

Nationalism +alliances in July crisis

Nationalism (Pan-Slavism) led Russia to support Serbia, which triggered Austria’s alliance with Germany

Strategic reason for alliances (1870-1914)

To guarantee a balance of power and prevent a large war

Role of nationalism and alliances in WWI

Nationalism was the spark; alliances were the fuel

Austria-Hungary’s nationalist problem

The desire of many ethnic groups (Slavs, Czechs, poles, etc) for independence

Bonus: Canada enters WWI when…

When Great Britain declared war on Germany for invading Belgium