Diplomatic Relations Leading to WWI
40 Questions
100 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Tuchman mean when she says, 'On history's clock it was sunset'?

The older period of history was ending and a new era was coming that would bring great change.

Why did William hate Edward?

He disagreed with Edward's idea for diplomacy with France instead of Germany, was unable to control him, did not like his pride, and thought he was an evil planner who would ruin Britain.

What was signed in April 1904?

The Anglo-French Entente.

What had Bismarck warned Germany?

<p>To stay satisfied with their lands and work towards clear goals. Germany did not listen and sought expansion without a plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Kaiser think the navy would do for him?

<p>Intimidate England's leaders into being his allies and endorse him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the French feel about the Germans?

<p>They did not want to ally with Germany, seeing it as a threat due to militarism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was signed in 1907?

<p>The Anglo-Russian Convention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the worst blunder of William's reign?

<p>Dropping the Reinsurance Treaty, which ended England's peace with Russia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the thesis of the Great Illusion?

<p>War had become vain and unwise for nations to get involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain Bernhardi's point of view on war.

<p>War was necessary for a nation’s survival and could be declared at any time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What clues to Schlieffen's character does Tuchman present?

<p>He is humble, strategic, and not a thorough planner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the problems associated with attacking France through Belgium?

<p>Belgium was neutral, and Germany's attack could lead to other nations turning against them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Schlieffen think he had to attack first?

<p>He believed the French knew his plans and wanted to catch them off guard.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the thinking on long war versus short war?

<p>Germans thought a war could not last more than a few months, while Moltke believed it would be long.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what respect were the Germans wrong in their expectations of France?

<p>They thought France would take Belgium, but France did not want to appear as aggressors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Germans have in mind about Belgian resistance?

<p>They viewed it as stubborn and foolish.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Moltke differ from Schlieffen?

<p>Moltke focused on strong military lines while Schlieffen concentrated on the right flank.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What humiliations had the French suffered at German hands at Versailles?

<p>They lost Alsace-Lorraine and had to pay 5 million francs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Germans treat Alsace-Lorraine after they annexed it?

<p>They treated it poorly, like a colony without regard for the people's rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the German feeling toward France?

<p>Jealousy of the territory France gained and the belief in their own superiority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain Plan 17. What was the weakness of the plan?

<p>It aimed for offense with fierce pursuit but lacked mention of necessary materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did geography play into the weakness of Plan 17?

<p>France's territory made Germany closer to it, complicating logistics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was General Michel's plan disregarded?

<p>It required French reserves to be defensive on the Belgian border, which they could not manage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Messimy and what was his reaction?

<p>The French Minister of War, who reacted negatively, calling Michel's plan insanity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the color of army pants controversial?

<p>Red made soldiers visible and communication about lowering it was met with resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the man whose head was swathed in bandages?

<p>An officer in the German General Staff who was a traitor for revealing the Schlieffen Plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why were nerves stretched tight in 1905?

<p>Russia's military weaknesses made France vulnerable to Germany's advances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Anglo-French negotiations, what did the British indicate they would do in case of a German invasion of Belgium?

<p>They would pay attention but not immediately involve themselves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe John Fisher's plan.

<p>Attack Germany with the British navy instead of the French army.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Wilson layout for the 'ignorant men' at the Imperial Defense Committee meeting?

<p>A map of Belgium, suggesting sending all six British divisions to help Belgium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was Haldane sent to Berlin and what was the outcome?

<p>To meet with German leaders to seek peace; he failed and was told to proclaim British neutrality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the split in the British cabinet?

<p>The War Cabinet did not agree on aiding France or remaining neutral.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was Russian invincibility a myth?

<p>Russia lacked enough men and didn't perform well in past conflicts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of M-15.

<p>Germany had to be opposed on two fronts to effectively counter its power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Russians agree to do in case of war?

<p>Launch an offensive against Germany simultaneously with France.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the practical problems with Russian promises to France?

<p>Lack of strategy, leadership, and logistical capabilities undermined their commitments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the problems for Russian mobilization?

<p>Transportation issues and fewer railroads than Germany made troop movements difficult.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Russian officers.

<p>They were appointed by patronage and described as lazy and uninterested.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Tuchman's opinion of the Czar?

<p>He lacked enthusiasm, concern, or interest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where did Russia's natural sympathies lie?

<p>With Germany, due to common interests of absolute leadership.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Context

  • "On history's clock it was sunset" signifies the end of one historical era and the impending transformation that would lead to significant changes.
  • The end of the older period foreshadows geopolitical shifts, especially in Europe leading to World War I.

Diplomatic Relations

  • William's disdain for Edward stemmed from his ideological clash over diplomacy, with Edward favoring alignment with France rather than Germany.
  • The Anglo-French Entente was signed in April 1904, marking a British alliance with France against Germany, in line with Edward's diplomatic preferences.
  • The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 was influenced by France to foster peace among strong allies; Edward sought friendship with Russia's Czar.

Strategic Blunders

  • Bismarck’s warning urged Germany to avoid territorial expansion without clear goals, a caution that went unheeded.
  • The worst mistake of William’s reign was abandoning the Reinsurance Treaty, which severed ties with Russia, leading them to align with France.

Perceptions of War

  • The thesis of the Great Illusion argued that war was unprofitable and detrimental to nations regardless of the outcome; nations faced inevitable losses.
  • Bernhardi believed war was essential for a nation’s survival, justifying aggressive military actions.

Military Strategies and Plans

  • Schlieffen was characterized as humble and strategic but lacked thorough planning, notably his controversial decision to invade Belgium.
  • Schlieffen's reasoning for a first strike was based on the belief that surprise was crucial for success against the French.
  • The Germans misjudged French strategies, expecting aggression towards Belgium that didn't occur due to the French prioritizing a defensive stance.

Challenges and Conflicts

  • Attacking France through Belgium risked international condemnation since Belgium was neutral, stirring potential backlash from other nations.
  • The debate over "long war versus short war" depicted a German assumption of quick victory, contrasting with Moltke's belief in the necessity of preparation for prolonged conflict.

French Military Actions

  • The Plan 17 aimed for an aggressive French offense but was criticized for lacking essential logistics and firepower considerations.
  • The geography of France played to Germany's advantage, as Belgium’s neutrality made direct assaults easier for Germany.

Internal Politics and Discussions

  • The French military leadership faced discord, particularly with General Michel’s defensive plan, which was dismissed.
  • Messimy viewed Michel's defensive approach as impractical, leading to his dismissal.
  • Controversy arose over the color of military uniforms, with red being debated for its visibility and potential impact on troop morale.

International Relations

  • John Fisher proposed a naval attack on Germany rather than a land-based operation with the French army, eyeing East Prussia as a target.
  • Tensions escalated in 1905 due to perceived Russian weaknesses following a defeat by Japan, heightening fears of a German threat to France.

Russian Challenges

  • Russia's military effectiveness was questioned, depicted as a myth of invincibility due to logistical issues and poor infrastructure.
  • Russian officers were criticized for lacking competence and motivation, with their appointments based on favoritism rather than merit.

Conclusions on Russian Sentiments

  • The Czar was viewed unfavorably, seen as disinterested and lacking understanding of military strategy.
  • Russia’s sympathies were more aligned with Germany historically, owing to shared interests in autocratic governance as per the Drei-Kaiser Bund.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the diplomatic tensions in Europe that contributed to World War I. This quiz covers key events such as the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Convention, as well as insights into the strategic blunders made by leaders like Bismarck and William. Test your knowledge on how these factors influenced the geopolitical landscape of the era.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser