How far can the Alliance System Be Considered a Factor of the First World War?

Rochelle Enticknap 8th October 2002

How far can the Alliance System Be

Considered a Factor of the First World War?

The Prussian victory over France in1870, and the creation of the German Empire, led to a dramatic shift in the European balance of power, and to an international system in which Germany, (by now the strongest military power on the Continent and one with large and expanding industrial resources,) necessarily played a leading role. It was up to Bismarck to invent a type of foreign policy. His name has now been associated with a style of diplomacy, which is dishonest, known as “Realpolitik”. It was through this kind of diplomacy, which resulted in various treaties being drawn up. The reason for this was that Bismarck intrigued, bluffed and frightened other ambassadors and foreign ministers into doing his will. For example, in 1887, a “reinsurance” treaty was drawn up between Russia and Germany, as Bismarck had read the Austrian Ambassador the exact text from the German-Austrian treaty. This treaty insured Russia’s neutrality in a Franco-German war, without committing Germany to anything specific in return.

Throughout the years of 1879 to 1907, a total number of nine treaties were formed. These are important factors in the outbreak of the first world war, as they lulled each nation into a false sense of security, as they believed with their “friends” behind them, a loss was not possible. As a result, there was a sudden rush for the formation of alliances between countries. The most important of theses alliances were:

The Dual Alliances, 1879 (renewed annually until 1918)

This was an alliance between Austria and Germany, and was formed because Bismarck felt that German security was threatened. Germany and Austria promised to help each other if either of them were attacked by Russia, and would remain neutral in case of an attack by another power. The alliance was a defensive agreement aimed at Russia and was designed to last five years.

Three Emperor’s Alliance, 1881 (renewed 1884)

This agreement was a result of the pressure and isolation that Russia felt through the Dual Alliance, and was therefore pushed ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

The Dual Alliances, 1879 (renewed annually until 1918)

Three Emperor’s Alliance, 1881 (renewed 1884)

This agreement was a result of the pressure and isolation that Russia felt through the Dual Alliance, and was therefore pushed into a treaty between those two countries, stating that all three countries would remain neutral if a war broke out with a fourth great power, and was clearly aimed at France.

Triple Alliance, 1882 (renewed 1887)

As a result of French occupation of Tunis in 1881, Italy joined an alliance with Germany and Austria Hungary, and signed the Triple Alliance in May 1882. Again, this was a defence treaty, which stated that Germany and Italy would help each other if France attacked either of them. Austria would also help Italy against France, but Italy would only help Austria against Russia if France joined in on Russia’s side. By now, Berlin was regarded as the diplomatic capital of Europe. The secret treaties gave Bismarck control of European politics and allowed Germany to gain colonies overseas as a way of diverting European rivalry and improving relations with France.

The Reinsurance Treaty, 1887

After the second Bulgarian crisis, Bulgaria increased in size, and became a favourite of Austria. Also, the Three Emperor’s Alliance was dissolved due to Russian opposition of it. This therefore led to the reinsurance treaty, being formed, stating that each country would remain neutral if either of them went to war with a third great power. However, if Germany were to attack France, or if Russia attacked Austria-Hungary. This meant that Germany could not be involved in a two-fronted war, if she attacked France, as there was nothing to stop Russia from aiding the French.

The Franco-Russian Alliance, 1894 (renewed 1899)

This was formed over a series of meetings, starting in 1891, and ending in 1894. This treaty stated that if France were attacked by Germany or Italy, (supported by Germany), Russia would attack Germany. Similarly, if Russia were attacked by either Germany or Austria-Hungary (supported by Germany), France would invade Germany. Also if any members of the Triple Alliance were to mobilise France and Russia would also mobilise.

Austro-Russian Agreement, 1897

A shift of policy from Turkey to Egypt, cause Britain to abandon the Mediterranean Agreement with Austria of 1887. This led to an agreement between Austria and Russia, in an attempt to uphold the positions in the near East, an area that was mutually important to both countries.

The Anglo-Japanese Alliance, 1902 (renewed annually until 1922)

This was an alliance aimed at Russia, stating if either country were to become involved in a war with a third great power, the other would remain neutral, unless the other member were involved in a war with another two great powers, the other would lend assistance.

Entente Cordiale, 1904

The outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War in February 1904, forced Britain to form a treaty with France. This stated that Britain would support French claims in Morocco in return for French recognition of British interests in Egypt.

Anglo-Russian Entente, 1907 (The Triple Entente)

Concerned about the Entente Cordiale, Germany tried to break it in 1905 by putting pressure on France in her colony of Morocco. Germany found herself confronted by Russia, and Britain as well as the French. Russia remained loyal to France, and Britain feared German domination in Europe. Britain’s support for the French strengthened the Entente Cordiale, and made reconciliation between Britain and Russia possible, since France had convinced Russia to drop its Duel Alliance clauses against Britain.

Although the Alliance System was important in the causes of the First World War, it was not the only cause. For example, other events such as the growing feelings of nationalism can be held as greatly responsible. For example, the sudden desire to be one powerful nation in Europe, led to a sudden cause of militarism. This was an increase in military spending. Germany armies and navies increased dramatically.

In conclusion, the Alliance System was a major factor, as it meant that when one country fell into war, the alliances and agreements meant that their allies were obliged to help. In other words, the alliance system may be seen as a kind of domino effect, as it dragged all the Great Powers into a war, when if there were not any agreements, this probably not have happened.