International Relations 1.4 - The state of international relations by 1900 (A-level history)

What was ‘Splendid Isolation’?

The British policy of remaining isolated from all foreign affairs in Europe.

What was the main threat to peace in Europe in 1900?

Colonial rivalry

Why did the French have bigger things to worry about than foreign policy?

The Third Republic was still recovering economically from the Napoleonic Wars.

Why did Bismarck want to diplomatically isolate France?

So they could not seek revenge for their defeat in the Franco-Prussian war in 1871

Why did France not pursue an alliance with Germany?

Because some politicians were still bitter over the Franco-Prussian war.

What was *revanchism*?

French animosity towards Germany in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war.

What had prevented an Anglo-French alliance until the 1890s?

Colonial disputes in Africa

When and what was the Fashoda Incident?

1898; An Anglo-French standoff in Sudan, where French and British ambitions for African expansion clashed. France backed down on account of Britain’s superior navy.

When was the Suez Canal built, and by whomb?

1869 by Britain and France

When was European access to the Suez canal threatened?

1882

Why was the Suez canal so important?

It allowed trading ships to go through the Mediterranean and Red Seas to access ports in the Indian Ocean. rather than having to travel all around the outside of Africa.

When and what was the Anglo-French Convention?

1882, an agreement between Britain and France to respect each others’ colonial borders.

Why was Anglo-German rivalry strange?

Because their royal families were related.

How was Kaiser Wilhelm II related to Queen Victoria?

He was her favourite grandson.

How did the departure of Otto von Bismarck affect Anglo-German relations?

They worsened; Bismarck’s policy had been one of non-interference, whereas the Kaiser was far more aggressive.

What was the ‘Bismarckian system’?

A series of complex alliances that allowed Germany to develop economically without being challenged. It hinged on a promise of no European expansion and the diplomatic isolation of France.

Why did Germany collaborate with the French in Africa in the 1880s?

To challenge British interests in West Africa, the Congo and South West Africa.

How was Anglo-German rivalry in Zanzibar nullified?

Two partition treaties were signed in 1885 and 1890 that resulted in the establishment of a British protectorate in Zanzibar and a German one in East Africa.

When did the Anglo-German naval race begin?

the 1890s

Why were some German government officials hopeful for an Anglo-German alliance?

They hoped colonial rivalry with France would lead them to ally with Germany.

Why did Germany hope for an Anglo-German alliance?

Because they were aware that the naval race was provoking hostility, and wanted to expand without the threat of British antagonism. They also wanted to balance out ‘encirclement’.

What was ‘encirclement’?

The Franco-Russian alliance surrounded Germany in a hostile bloc, and they worried this would isolate them politically and make them vulnerable.

In which years did Britain propose an alliance with Germany?

1898, 1899 and 1901

Why did negotiations of an Anglo-German alliance fall flat?

Because Britain was not prepared to ally itself with Austria-Hungary as well and risk war with Russia over the Balkans.

Which German movements in the 1890s increased Anglo-German animosity?

Germany’s proposal of a Berlin-Baghdad railway, the increased production of battleships and intervention in the Boer war.

When did Germany begin its naval building programme?

1898

When was the Franco-Russian Alliance?

1894

When and what was the Reinsurance Treaty?

1887, German treaty with Russia stating that:


1. Russia should be allowed to be the prevailing influence in the Balkans
2. both Germany and Russia would remain neutral if the other became involved in a war with another Great Power
3. the above would not be true if Germany attacked France or Russia attacked Austria-Hungary

Why did the Kaiser not renew the Reinsurance Treaties?

He disapproved of limiting German and Austrian influence in the Balkans.

What was the *Dreikaiserbund*?

The ‘three emperors’ league’; an agreement between Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary that ensured peace between the nations.

Between whom was the ‘dual alliance’?

Germany and Austria-Hungary

What was the main motivation behind the Franco-Russia alliance?

A mutual suspicion of Germany

Why was the Franco-Russian alliance strange to come about?

Because the countries had very little in common, particularly regarding their political systems.

What was the Franco-Russian alliance also known as?

The Dual Entente

What were the terms of the Dual Entente?

1. If either party was threatened by a member of the dual alliance, the other should attack Germany
2. If the dual alliance mobilised, so should they
3. Available forces should engage to the full, so they can surround Germany on both fronts
4. Their respective armies should co-operate at all times to ensure the swift execution of the above
5. They should not conclude peace separately
6. The alliance should las as long as the triple alliance
7. The treaty was to be kept secret

When was the dual alliance?

1879

Why did the dual alliance come to fruition?

Both Germany and AH had were developing hostile relations with Russia, and both were concerned about what might happen following the impending collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

What were the terms of the Dual Alliance?

1. If either country was threatened by Russia, the other would provide full military support
2. If either country was attacked by another, the other would observe ‘benevolent neutrality’
3. The agreement would remain a secret
4. The agreement would last five years, to be renewed every three years following that

When did Italy join the Dual Alliance, making it the Triple Alliance?

1882

Why did Italy join the Dual Alliance?

They wanted to ensure peace with Austria over the Balkans, and it was recognised that Italy would be a useful ally against France.

What were the terms of the Triple Alliance?

1. Germany and Italy would support each other if attacked by France
2. If Germany, Italy or Austria were threatened by another power, the others would provide mutual support
3. If AH went to war with Russia, Italy would remain neutral
4. It was to remain secret

When was Italian unification?

1871

Why did the secretive nature of the treaties backfire?

Both alliance blocs eventually worked out the others had alliances against them, but didn’t know the individual terms. This provoked further suspicion.

Why were the treaties significant in developing the nature of European animosities?

It marked a change from outward threats and colonial warfare to secret agreements and threats.