5 Major Treaties & Alliances in the Build Up to World War One

Summary

The script explores the complex web of alliances and treaties leading up to World War I. It highlights the oversimplification of the war as merely a conflict between two major alliances— the Triple Entente and the Dual Alliance— and examines the intricate political relationships in Europe from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The breakdown of treaties, such as Germany’s disregard for Belgium's neutrality and the failed reinsurance treaty with Russia, along with the entanglements between major powers, played a crucial role in transforming localized tensions into a global war.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ The First World War involved complex alliances beyond the Triple Entente and Dual Alliance, including numerous treaties and agreements.
• 🏰 The Treaty of London in 1839 guaranteed Belgium's sovereignty, with Britain later using its violation by Germany as a pretext for war.
• 🤝 The Dual Alliance of 1879 between Germany and Austria-Hungary pledged mutual support against Russian aggression.
• 🔄 Italy's membership in the Triple Alliance in 1882 was conditional and later reneged upon the outbreak of WWI.
• 🤫 The Reinsurance Treaty of 1887 was a secret agreement between Germany and Russia, which expired in 1890, leaving Russia vulnerable.
• 🚧 The Franco-Russian Alliance in 1894 was formed to counter the Triple Alliance and pledged mutual support in case of aggression.
• 🌍 The Entente Cordiale of 1904 between Britain and France resolved colonial disputes and marked a significant shift in European diplomacy.
• 🔗 The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 ended the rivalry between Britain and Russia in Central Asia, further aligning against the Triple Alliance.
• 🇧🇪 Germany's invasion of Belgium in 1914, violating the Treaty of London, prompted Britain to enter the war.
• 🔄 The complex web of alliances and treaties ultimately led to a cascade of events that drew many nations into the First World War.

Q & A

What were the two major alliances during the period leading up to World War I?

The two major alliances leading up to World War I were the Triple Alliance, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, and the Dual Alliance, linking Germany and Austria-Hungary.

How did the Treaty of London in 1839 affect the neutrality of Belgium?

The Treaty of London in 1839 guaranteed the sovereignty and neutrality of Belgium, which had broken away from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its signatories included Great Britain, Austria, France, the German Confederation, Russia, and the Netherlands.

What was the significance of the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary signed in 1879?

The Dual Alliance of 1879 pledged mutual support between Germany and Austria-Hungary in the event one was invaded by Russia, and guaranteed neutrality if one was invaded by another major European power.

Why did Italy join the Dual Alliance to form the Triple Alliance in 1882?

Italy joined the Dual Alliance in 1882 to form the Triple Alliance, but it later renounced its commitment when war broke out in 1914.

What was the purpose of the Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia in 1887?

The Reinsurance Treaty of 1887 was a secret agreement intended to prevent Russia from forming an alliance with France. It guaranteed neutrality if one country was attacked by a third power, unless Russia attacked Austria-Hungary or Germany attacked France.

How did the relationship between France and Russia evolve into the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1894?

France and Russia formed the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1894 after France began investing in Russian infrastructure from 1888. The alliance stipulated mutual support if one of them was attacked by a member of the Triple Alliance.

What were the key outcomes of the Entente Cordiale between France and Britain in 1904?

The Entente Cordiale of 1904 resolved many long-standing issues, particularly over colonial interests in Africa, marking the end of nearly a millennium of intermittent conflict between France and Britain.

What was the nature of the agreement between Britain and Russia in 1907 known as the Triple Entente?

The 1907 agreement between Britain and Russia was not a three-way agreement like the Triple Alliance. It was specifically to stop their rivalry in Central Asia and did not guarantee Russia's support in the event of a European war.

How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand contribute to the start of World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered the July Crisis, which led to a series of diplomatic and military maneuvers that ultimately resulted in the outbreak of World War I.

Why did Britain declare war on Germany in August 1914?

Britain declared war on Germany after Germany executed the Schlieffen Plan and violated the neutrality of Belgium by crossing its border, which was a violation of the Treaty of London that Britain had pledged to uphold.