WWI, by Eze Rowinski!

World War I

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Introduction

Causes of the war

 

   In 1871 the dominant nation in Europe was Germany, whose statesman was Otto Von Bismarck. His policy was to keep the peace in Europe. To succeed in doing that he defeated France and Austria-Hungary. He isolated France, to prevent alliances against Germany. France’s suitable ally was Russia, whose best strategy was to attack Germany from two directions and threatened her. Germany signed a treaty with Russia and Austria-Hungary, the ‘Three Emperors’ League’ (Dreikaiserbund) in 1872. Problems began in the Congress of Berlin in 1878; Russia wanted the Ottoman Empire to split into different states to control them. Austria-Hungary prevented Russian expansion making them quarrel. Gradually, the Three Emperors’ League faded away. Bismarck tried to keep them friends. ‘I am holding these two powerful, heraldic beasts apart by their collars,’ he said. But failed.

Prussia had to decide who to support, Russia or Austria-Hungary. She chose Austria-Hungary because she was lying under Germany’s guns. The solid wall against France cracked making a two front war possible.

Finally, Italy, which wasn’t a main power nation, allied the Dual Alliance, because she was fed up with France and the seizure of Tunis, which they lost.