Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a significant belief among some Europeans at the turn of the 20th century regarding war?
What was a significant belief among some Europeans at the turn of the 20th century regarding war?
Which of the following nations was NOT considered one of Europe’s Great Powers by the turn of the 20th century?
Which of the following nations was NOT considered one of Europe’s Great Powers by the turn of the 20th century?
What fueled the intense rivalry among the Great Powers of Europe in the early 20th century?
What fueled the intense rivalry among the Great Powers of Europe in the early 20th century?
How did nationalism impact European nations at the turn of the 20th century?
How did nationalism impact European nations at the turn of the 20th century?
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Which conflict is directly linked to France's loss of Alsace-Lorraine?
Which conflict is directly linked to France's loss of Alsace-Lorraine?
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What characterized the European arms race in the early 20th century?
What characterized the European arms race in the early 20th century?
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What was a direct consequence of European imperialism in the early 20th century?
What was a direct consequence of European imperialism in the early 20th century?
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In which region did Austria-Hungary and Russia seek to establish control due to rising nationalism?
In which region did Austria-Hungary and Russia seek to establish control due to rising nationalism?
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What term describes the policy of glorifying military power and maintaining an army ready for war?
What term describes the policy of glorifying military power and maintaining an army ready for war?
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Which of the following was a result of Bismarck's diplomacy after 1871?
Which of the following was a result of Bismarck's diplomacy after 1871?
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Which military alliance was formed in 1879 between Germany and Austria-Hungary?
Which military alliance was formed in 1879 between Germany and Austria-Hungary?
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What significant change occurred in German foreign policy in 1890?
What significant change occurred in German foreign policy in 1890?
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What was the reaction of Russia after Germany let its treaty with Russia lapse?
What was the reaction of Russia after Germany let its treaty with Russia lapse?
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What type of potential conflict did Germany risk by neglecting its treaty with Russia?
What type of potential conflict did Germany risk by neglecting its treaty with Russia?
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What was a consequence of the growing rivalries among the Great Powers by the early 20th century?
What was a consequence of the growing rivalries among the Great Powers by the early 20th century?
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What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's view of the army?
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's view of the army?
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Study Notes
Europe Before WWI
- Hundreds of peace organizations were active in Europe by 1900
- Europeans believed progress had made war a thing of the past
Rise of Nationalism
- Nationalism was a unifying force but it also caused rivalry among nations
- Germany, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Russia, Italy, and France were the Great Powers
- Competition for materials, markets, and territories fueled rivalry
- France sought revenge for the loss of Alsace-Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian War (1870)
- Austria-Hungary and Russia competed for dominance in the Balkans
- The intense nationalism of Serbs, Bulgarians, Romanians, and other ethnic groups led to independence demands
Imperialism and Militarism
- European nations competed for colonies in Africa and Asia, which deepened rivalry and mistrust
- European nations believed in the importance of a powerful military
- All Great Powers except Britain had large standing armies by 1914
- Military experts emphasized the importance of quick mobilization in case of war
- Militarism, the glorification of military power, fostered patriotism but also fear
Alliance System
- Growing rivalries and mistrust led to alliances among Great Powers in the 1870s.
- Otto von Bismarck, the chancellor of Prussia, used war to unify Germany
- Bismarck, after the unification of Germany, focused on maintaining peace in Europe
- Bismarck saw France as the greatest threat to peace
- Bismarck’s goal was to isolate France
- The Dual Alliance was formed between Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1879
- Italy joined the Dual Alliance in 1882, forming the Triple Alliance.
- In 1881, Bismarck made a treaty with Russia to prevent France from gaining an ally
Shifting Alliances
- In 1890, Wilhelm II forced Bismarck to resign
- Wilhelm II was eager to assert his power and showcase Germany’s might
- Wilhelm II let Germany's treaty with Russia lapse in 1890
- Russia formed a defensive military alliance with France in 1892 and 1894
- Bismarck's fear of Germany being forced to fight a two-front war against Russia and France became reality
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Description
This quiz explores the complex factors leading to World War I, including the rise of nationalism and imperialism in Europe. Examine how competition among Great Powers and intense nationalistic fervor contributed to the tensions that ultimately sparked the war. Test your knowledge on key events, major players, and the sociopolitical landscape of pre-war Europe.
