Europe in 1914

• Which countries made up the Triple Alliance?

  Germany, Austria Hungary, Italy
• Which countries made up the Triple Entente?

  Britain, France, Russia
• Who had the strongest military in soldiers?

  Russia with 3.4 million
• Who had the strongest navy?

  Britain, with 122 ships and 64 submarines
• Militarism

  • nation increasing size of army and military capabilities
  • e.g naval race and arms manufacturing
• Alliances


  • formal, economic, military or political agreement between nations
  • e.g. Triple Entente and Alliance used as deterrent towards aggression
• Imperialism

  • claiming of another's territory, usually increased wealth, trade and prestige
  • e.g. Britain's empire covered 1/4 of world map, France had significant territories in Africa and Asia
• Nationalism


  • belief that a particular nation or ethnic group entitled to self rule/determination
  • e.g. many nations eager to assert power and independence
• The Triple Alliance - Concerns

  • Germany - encirclement of Russia and France, Russia's supply of weapons, guarding against French revenge attack
  • Austria Hungary - ethnic groups in want of independence, keeping empire together, Serbia's increased strength and Russia' support
  • Italy - lack of industrial and military power, not fully trusted by allies
• The Triple Alliance - why joined

  • Germany - increased power, guarded against attacks
  • Austria Hungary - secured borders (all allies), maintained strength
  • Italy - wanted to set up colonies and build overseas empire
• The Triple Entente - Concerns

  • Britain - Germany's increased strength of navy and growing empire
  • France - Germany's growing power, taking back rich industrial land Germany took in 1870
  • Russia - Germany's growing power, need of increased industry
• The Triple Entente - why join

  • Britain - cooperation with France and Russia eliminated conflict
  • France - building up industries to take land back, alliances
  • Russia - securing military, couldn't afford to lose another conflict
• What was Britain's foreign policy?

  Splendid Isolation - keeping distance from international affairs
• What was Germany's foreign policy?

  Weltpolitik - 'world politics' aggressive diplomatic policy