Discuss the importance of two of the following in European diplomacy between 1870 and 1914: the Alliance System; global colonial rivalry; changing balance of power; nationalism.
Discuss the importance of two of the following in European diplomacy between 1870 and 1914: the Alliance System; global colonial rivalry; changing balance of power; nationalism.
Introduction:
- The years between 1870 and 1914 were very important when it came to European diplomacy. During these years, tensions built up and due to the formation of alliances, beginning with the Three Emperors’ League, two allied blocs were formed, defining the ally system before the world war. In addition, there was a substantial change in the balance of power within Europe with the decline of the Ottoman Empire and its eventual fall in 1909 and the colonial and military desires of nations such as Germany. Both of these elements of European Diplomacy were important, as both aspects resulted in a buildup of tension before the eventual breakout of the First World War.
Alliance system:
- Germany was the primary power that manipulated the alliance system from 1870, as the German chancellor at the time, Otto van Bismarck, believed in a concept of alliances in “a world with five great powers.” This led to the formation of many alliances, which was of paramount importance as the alliances formed the initial bloc of allies as well as further tensed the situation and the rivalry between the main powers of Europe.
- Began with the Three Emperors’ League (1873) – Dreikaiserbund. Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary. It had vague terms, however it increased France’s isolation and this was important because the fear of isolation by several countries, including France, prompted a world war, as well as being the first major alliance in the period.
- Dual Alliance (1879) – AH and Rus. conflicted over the Balkans and their previous alliance fell. This was of importance, particularly to Germany, as this allowed them to make another alliance with AH in order for one to protect the other if Russia attacked. In addition they agreed to remain neutral if another country was involved. Secret
Introduction:
- The years between 1870 and 1914 were very important when it came to European diplomacy. During these years, tensions built up and due to the formation of alliances, beginning with the Three Emperors’ League, two allied blocs were formed, defining the ally system before the world war. In addition, there was a substantial change in the balance of power within Europe with the decline of the Ottoman Empire and its eventual fall in 1909 and the colonial and military desires of nations such as Germany. Both of these elements of European Diplomacy were important, as both aspects resulted in a buildup of tension before the eventual breakout of the First World War.
Alliance system:
- Germany was the primary power that manipulated the alliance system from 1870, as the German chancellor at the time, Otto van Bismarck, believed in a concept of alliances in “a world with five great powers.” This led to the formation of many alliances, which was of paramount importance as the alliances formed the initial bloc of allies as well as further tensed the situation and the rivalry between the main powers of Europe.
- Began with the Three Emperors’ League (1873) – Dreikaiserbund. Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary. It had vague terms, however it increased France’s isolation and this was important because the fear of isolation by several countries, including France, prompted a world war, as well as being the first major alliance in the period.
- Dual Alliance (1879) – AH and Rus. conflicted over the Balkans and their previous alliance fell. This was of importance, particularly to Germany, as this allowed them to make another alliance with AH in order for one to protect the other if Russia attacked. In addition they agreed to remain neutral if another country was involved. Secret