Franco Prussian War

Background of FPW

After Napoleonic Wars (ended in 1815), there were 39 seperate Germanic states in Europe. Two largest were Prussia and Austria

Wars fought by Prussians after the Napoleonic Wars

Prussians under the leadership of Chancellor Bismarck fought 3 wars to merge these smaller states into one new German state and be the dominant Germanic state instead of Austria:

1864: Denmark defeated

1866: Austria defeated

1871: France defeated - Alsace Lorraine annexed

What was the FPW for Germany?

The final war of German unification, led by the Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.  The war with France between 1870 and 1871 led to the establishment of a strong and powerful German empire in central Europe.

Otto von Bismark’s quote

“This policy cannot succeed through speeches, and shooting-matches, and songs; it can only be carried out through blood and iron”

What does this quote about “Blood and Iron” signify

France’s defeat

• Prussia humiliated France

• 80,000 French soldiers surrendered to the Prussians at Sedan in 1870

• The core of the French army consisting of 150,000 were surrounded for 2 month at Metz and then surrendered

• Prussia used technology to mobilise quickly - they used railways to deliver men and resources to the battlefield

• Paris had been cut off from the rest of France and was crippled by an economic blockade

The Peace Terms

• France Lost Alsace-Lorraine

• Had to pay an indemnity of 5,000 million marks

• Prussian victory march through Paris

• January 1891 - the king of Prussia was proclaimed the German emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles

What did the Peace Terms create in France?

They led to a strong desire for revenge, known as the revanche movement.

Consequences of the FPW

• Unification in Germany was achieved through “BLOOD AND IRON” aka defeat of other European states.

• Triggered an ARMS RACE in Europe as the other powers realised that they had to improve the equipment and training of their armies.(MILITARISM)

• Destabilised the balance of power in Europe as it established a new economic and military power in the heart of Europe.

• Led to insecurities and need for alliances between nations.

• Led to establishment of the “revanche” movement in France for revenge on Germany and reclamation of Alsace-Lorraine.

Bismark’s system of alliances

• Despite the tension caused by the FPW, Bismarck did not continue with an aggressive foreign policy.

• Bismarck worked on a web of alliances that would protect Germany from further attack and allow it to consolidate its position in Europe

• Germany’s main aim was to keep France isolated and ally with Russia to prevent a war on two fronts

Dreikaiserbund (Three Emperors’ League)

Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Three monarchs identified republicanism and socialism as common enemies. (1873)

Weltpolitik “World Policy”

Germany started expanding her navy and army and announced her plan of building an empire.

Wilhelm II and Foreign Minister von Bülow about Weltpolitik

• “Nothing must henceforth be settled in the world without the intervention of Germany and the German Emperor”

• “We don’t want to put anyone else in the shade, but we too demand our place in the sun”

Treaty of Berlin

Russia defeated the Ottoman Empire, but Germany refused to support Russia’s attempt to get control of the Dardanelles sea route. This pleased Austria but weakened Dreikaiserbund. (1878)

The Dual Alliance

Austria-Hungary and Russia came into conflict over events in the Balkans and the Dreikaiserbund collapsed. After, Germany and Austria-Hungary made a formal military alliance to protect themselves from Russia. (1879)

The Three Emperors’ Alliance

Russia, feeliing isolated in Europe, turned back to Germany and Bismarck drew up a revised version of the Dreikaiserbund. This offered Bismarck security. It also tried to solve Austro-Russian disputes in the Balkans. (1881)

Triple Alliance

Alliance between Germany Austria and Italy. Russia was left isolated but Germany was sure she wouldn’t ally with Republican France. (1882)

The Reinsurance Treaty

The Three Emperors’ Alliance fell to pieces due to Balkan problems in 1885. So this separate treaty with Russia was drawn up to avoid a risk of a war on two fronts. Bismarck made new arrangements to make sure Germany stayed friendly with Russia. (1887)

Franco-Russian Alliance

Russia formed a military alliance with France to protect herself from the Triple Alliance. Germany is shocked but at least Britain and France remained colonial rivals. (1894)

Entente Cordiale

A trade agreement, not a formal military alliance, between France and Britain. Germany was shocked. (1904)

Triple Entente

Alliance between Russia, Britain, and France to counteract the increasing threat from Germany. (1907)

G. Political System

• Germany was a constitutional monarchy but authoritarian.

• Real power held by the Kaiser and Chancellor; Reichstag had limited influence.

• Junkers (Prussian landowners) dominated politics, supported militarism, and opposed democratic reform.

G. Economic Strength

• After the Franco-Prussian War, Germany became Europe’s strongest industrial power.

• By 1900, it had overtaken Britain in industrial output.

• Strong, efficient economy based on rapid industrialisation.

G. Socio-Economic Problems

• Industrialization created a large working class in cities and a growing middle class.

• Tensions between working class, middle class, and the authoritarian government.

• Junkers resisted reforms that could lead to liberal democracy.

G. Foreign Policy

• Germany sought overseas colonies due to population growth and capitalist pressure for markets.

• Initially cautious: cooperated with other powers (e.g., Congress of Berlin, 1884, dividing Africa).

• Faced difficulty because most colonies were already taken.

G: Key Aims/Fears

• Aims: expand empire, secure raw materials, gain international status.

• Fear: falling behind Britain and other colonial powers.

• Uncertainty over whether to ally with or rival Britain.

G. Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong economy, advanced industry, growing population, military tradition.

Weaknesses:

• Authoritarian politics created social tension.

• Junker dominance blocked reform.

• Late entry into colonial race limited empire-building.

F. Political System

• France was a democratic republic with extensive civil liberties.

• Political life was unstable: frequent changes of government.

• Division between pacifist left and revanchist right (wanted revenge for Alsace-Lorraine).

F. Economic Strength

• Economy mainly agricultural, with most of the population in the countryside.

• Still a wealthy nation: large empire, sizeable gold reserves.

• Strong overseas investments, especially in Russia.

F. Socio-Economic Problems

• Political divisions reflected broader social tensions.

• Instability weakened government authority and decision-making.

F. Foreign Policy

• Right wing favored imperialism and reclaiming Alsace-Lorraine.

• Left opposed expansion and aggression.

• France sought alliance with Russia to ‘contain’ Germany.

F. Key Aims/Fears

• Aim: Protect against German power through alliances.

• Aim: Maintain empire and global status.

• Fear: Germany’s growing strength and threat to French security.

F. Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Wealthy with empire, gold reserves, and investments abroad.

• Democratic system with civil liberties.

• Alliance potential (e.g., with Russia).

Weaknesses:

• Economy less industrialized than Germany (more agriculture-based).

• Deep political divisions → unstable governments.

• Split aims in foreign policy reduced effectiveness.

B. Political System

• Well-established parliamentary democracy (monarchy had limited power).

• Universal suffrage not achieved until after WWI.

• Flexible system, responsive to public opinion and the press.

B. Economic Strength

• First to industrialize; dominant 19th-century trading power.

• Vast overseas empire.

• By 1900, decline: USA and Germany had overtaken Britain in industrial output.

B. Socio-Economic Problems

• Growing working-class discontent (similar to Germany).

• Economic decline increased social and political pressures.

B. Foreign Policy

• 19th century: pursued ‘splendid isolation’, avoiding entanglements to protect trade.

• By 1900: shifting towards alliances due to competition from USA and Germany.

• Suspicious of Russia (threat to trade routes to India).

B. Key Aims/Fears

• Aim: Maintain sea dominance and empire.

• Aim: Preserve balance of power in Europe.

• Fear: Russian expansion threatening India trade routes.

• Fear: Losing naval supremacy and overstretched resources.

Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong parliamentary democracy.

• Largest empire; global trading power.

• Most powerful navy in the world.

Weaknesses:

• Industrial power surpassed by USA and Germany.

• Heavy reliance on navy = vulnerability if overstretched.

• Social tensions from working-class discontent.

A. Political System

• A ‘dual monarchy’: emperor ruled Austria-Hungary, but Austria and Hungary had their own parliaments.

• System was bureaucratic and inefficient.

• Lacked cohesion politically and socially.

A. Economic Strength

• Economy was land-based with slow growth compared to other European powers.

• Not industrially advanced.

A. Socio-Economic Problems

• Multi-national empire during the age of nationalism.

• Rising demands for independence among Slavic groups and other nationalities.

• Weak internal unity; tensions between ethnic groups.

A. Foreign Policy

• Concerned with the decline of the Ottoman Empire, which fueled Slavic nationalism.

• Aimed to contain nationalism in the Balkans and expand influence as Ottoman power faded.

• Saw Serbia as the greatest threat, especially with Russian backing for Serb nationalists.

A. Key Aims/Fears

• Aim: Maintain the empire’s integrity against nationalist movements.

• Aim: Expand influence in the Balkans.

• Fear: Serbian nationalism undermining empire stability.

• Fear: Russian support for Slavs increasing pressure on the empire.

A. Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Large multi-national empire with a central position in Europe.

• Ambitions to expand into the Balkans.

Weaknesses:

• Weak military (shown in 1866 defeat by Prussia).

• Bureaucratic and inefficient governance.

• Nationalist rivalries threatened unity and stability.

• Economically underdeveloped.

R. Political System

• Autocratic ‘divine monarchy’: Tsar seen as chosen by God.

• Bureaucratic and inefficient state.

• After the 1905 Revolution, only limited democracy introduced.

R. Economic Strength

• Rapid industrialization in late 19th century.

• Still primarily agrarian: majority were peasants using outdated farming methods.

• Vast natural and human resources.

R. Socio-Economic Problems

• Harsh working and living conditions for urban workers.

• Growing middle-class and worker discontent by 1900.

• 1905 Revolution showed rising unrest, but conditions hardly improved.

R. Foreign Policy

• Defeated in Crimean War (1853–1856) and Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) → weakened military prestige.

• Promoted Slav nationalism in the Balkans to expand influence.

• Wanted to prevent Austria-Hungary’s expansion but also supported the Ottoman Empire to maintain balance.

R. Key Aims/Fears

• Aim: Expand influence in the Balkans through Pan-Slavism.

• Aim: Protect empire by balancing Ottoman decline with Austria-Hungary’s ambitions.

• Fear: Growing unrest from peasants and workers.

• Fear: Continued military humiliation.

R. Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Huge population and natural resources.

• Strategic interest in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Weaknesses:

• Backward economy: reliance on outdated agriculture.

• Social unrest and worker dissatisfaction.

• Military defeats damaged status as a great power.

• Bureaucratic inefficiency and weak reforms.

T. Political System

• Absolute monarchy under the Sultan, but authority had greatly weakened.

• Corrupt and ineffective regime.

• In 1909, the Young Turks overthrew the Sultan, aiming to modernize politically and economically.

T. Economic Strength

• Weak economy with heavy foreign debt.

• Exploited by European powers for commercial interests.

• No significant industrial development compared to other powers.

T. Socio-Economic Problems

• Divisions between Turks, Slavs, Christians, and Muslims.

• Revolts by national and Islamic groups weakened unity.

• Growing political discontent due to corruption and decline.

T. Foreign Policy

• Could not contain internal revolts; dependent on European powers.

• Interference from foreign states worsened instability.

• By 1900, the empire was near collapse and had lost much influence.

T. Key Aims/Fears

• Aim (Young Turks): Modernize Turkey economically and politically.

• Fear: Total collapse of the empire.

• Fear: Continued exploitation and partition by European powers.

T. Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strategic location (control of straits and Middle East).

• Reformist movement (Young Turks) sought modernization.

Weaknesses:

• Known as the “sick man of Europe” – empire in steep decline.

• Corruption, foreign debt, and weak central authority.

• Deep ethnic and religious divisions.

• Vulnerable to interference by stronger powers.