I. The March to War
A. Germany and the New Balance of Power
1. Germany’s industrial capacity, population, and military power all dramatically increased. In 1900, Germany produced more steel than Great Britain and France combined. Germany’s population increased from 41 million in 1871 to 64 million in 1910. In contrast, France had just 40 million people in 1910.
2. European leaders from Cardinal Richelieu to Prince Klemens von Metternich had feared a united Germany. Their fears now became a reality. As Germany’s power surged, its leaders demanded respect and a new “place in the sun.”
B. Bismarck’s Network of Alliances
1. The French were humiliated by their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and embittered by their loss of Alsace-Lorraine.
2. In an attempt to isolate France, Bismarck formed a military alliance with Austria-Hungary in 1879. Three years later, Italy joined these two countries, thus forming the Triple Alliance.
3. In 1887, Bismarck took yet another ally away from France by signing a treaty with Russia.
C. William II’s Aggressive Policies
1. In 1890, Kaiser William II forced Bismarck to resign.
2. William II promptly set Germany on a new course by letting the treaty of friendship with Russia lapse.
3. William II then challenged Britain’s long-standing naval supremacy by embarking on an expensive program of naval expansion that poisoned relations between the two countries.
D. The Formation of the Triple Entente
1. France immediately offered Russia financial investments and diplomatic friendship. The two nations signed a Franco-Russian Alliance in 1894.
2. Alarmed by Germany’s growing naval power, Britain abandoned its policy of “splendid isolation.” In 1904, Britain concluded a series of agreements with France collectively called the Entente Cordiale. With French support, the British concluded a similar agreement with Russia, thus forming the Triple Entente.
3. Germany tested the Anglo-French entente by challenging France’s plan to dominate Morocco. However, Germany’s belligerent actions only served to draw France and Britain closer together.
4. Two rival alliances now confronted each other. A dispute between any two powers could easily escalate into a major war.