The Tangle of Alliances
The alliance situation in central Europe in 1914
In 1871, a collection of small, independent states were united by the Prussian Empire. The nation of Germany was born.
In the same year, Germany invaded France. Within a matter of weeks, the Germans has captured Paris and France was forced to beg for peace. In return for peace, Germany was granted the French provinces of Alsace-Lorraine.
Fearing a repeat of this invasion, France formed an alliance with Russia. Hence, if France were again attacked by Germany, Russia would immediately declare war on Germany and come to France's aid. Not long after, Britain joins the Franco-Russian alliance to form the Triple Entente.
Anxious at the prospect of being surrounded by potential enemies (as you know, Germany's sort of surrounded by France and Russia), Germany formed her own alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, known as the Triple alliance. They were also referred to as the Central Powers.
As a consequence, two powerful blocs formed in Europe were supposed to act as a deterrent against each others aggression. Instead, they created fear a mistrust between the bloc and an atmosphere of tension in Europe.
In the same year, Germany invaded France. Within a matter of weeks, the Germans has captured Paris and France was forced to beg for peace. In return for peace, Germany was granted the French provinces of Alsace-Lorraine.
Fearing a repeat of this invasion, France formed an alliance with Russia. Hence, if France were again attacked by Germany, Russia would immediately declare war on Germany and come to France's aid. Not long after, Britain joins the Franco-Russian alliance to form the Triple Entente.
Anxious at the prospect of being surrounded by potential enemies (as you know, Germany's sort of surrounded by France and Russia), Germany formed her own alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, known as the Triple alliance. They were also referred to as the Central Powers.
As a consequence, two powerful blocs formed in Europe were supposed to act as a deterrent against each others aggression. Instead, they created fear a mistrust between the bloc and an atmosphere of tension in Europe.
I hope I've answered your questions (if you have any) about one of the reasons for World War I. If you think I haven't, or think that I've forgotten something, do it here. :)
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