Precursors to World War I: Powers, Alliances, and Crises

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 in History

Great Powers and Pre-War Tensions

France: Colonial Power and Historical Grievances

  • President: Poincaré
  • Other Figure: Raimond Cleverman
  • Colonies: 29 (including Madagascar and West Africa)
  • Historical Context: Lost the Franco-Prussian War, lost Alsace-Lorraine.

Austria-Hungary: Internal Strife and Balkan Ambitions

  • Ruler: Franz Josef
  • Status: A “patchwork empire” with 0 colonies.
  • Ambitions: Wanted Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Internal Issues: Czech language forbidden in schools.

Great Britain: Global Empire and Domestic Issues

  • Ruler: King George V
  • Colonies: 56 (including India and Australia), holding the largest number of colonies.
  • Military: Possessed the largest navy.
  • Internal Issues: Rising unemployment, riots, and the ongoing Irish problem.

Germany: Rising Power and Imperial Jealousy

  • Ruler: Kaiser Wilhelm II
  • Status: The youngest major country, jealous of Britain’s power.
  • Colonies: 10 (including Togo and Cameroons).
  • Internal Issues: Low wages, expensive food, and bad working conditions.

Russia: Autocracy, Poverty, and Warm Water Ports

  • Ruler: Tsar Nicholas II
  • Colonies: 0 (but wanted some).
  • Internal Issues: Peasants farming small plots, bad conditions, and low wages.
  • Ambitions: Wanted ports on the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

European Alliance Systems (1882–1907)

The Triple Alliance (1882)

Italy + Austria-Hungary + Germany.

The Entente Cordiale (1904)

France + Great Britain.

The Triple Entente (1907)

France + Russia + Great Britain.

International Crises Leading to Conflict

The Volatile Balkan Situation

  • Austria-Hungary (1908): Wanted Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to troubles with Serbia and other Slavs.
  • Russia: Sought ports on the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
  • Ottoman Empire: Weak, referred to as the “Sick Man of Europe.”
  • Germany: Pursued the Berlin–Baghdad Railway (for oil access).
  • Post-1908 Developments: Bulgaria’s ruler was crowned king; Bosnia and Herzegovina fell under Austria-Hungary’s control.

Moroccan Crises (1905–1911)

1st Moroccan Crisis (1905–1906)

  • Context: Morocco was uncolonized; France wanted control, but Germany objected.
  • Outcome: The Algeciras Conference (1906) granted France control over Morocco’s police and economy.

Agadir Crisis (2nd Moroccan Crisis) (1911)

  • Action: France sent troops to Fez against Moroccan rebels.
  • German Response: Germany protested by sending the gunboat *Panther* to Agadir.
  • Resolution: Britain deployed its navy from Gibraltar, forcing Germany to back down.

The Balkan Wars (1912–1913)

1st Balkan War (1912)

The Balkan League (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro) fought against the Ottoman Empire.

2nd Balkan War (1913)

Bulgaria fought against Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Romania.

Military Strength and Strategic Plans

Major Military Forces

  • Largest Navy: Great Britain.
  • Largest Army: Germany.

Key War Plans: Schlieffen and Seventeen

  • Plan Schlieffen: Germany’s strategy to attack France via Belgium, then shift forces to Russia.
  • Plan Seventeen: France’s strategy to attack Alsace-Lorraine and invade Germany.