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What were the main international tensions in Europe, 1871-1914? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2011
Question 1
What were the main international tensions in Europe, 1871-1914?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What were the main international tensions in Europe, 1871-1914? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2011
Step 1
Identify the Main Tensions
Answer
The main international tensions in Europe between 1871 and 1914 primarily revolved around national rivalries, colonial disputes, and militarism. Key events that fueled these tensions included:
- Rise of Nationalism: Various nations pursued aggressive nationalist policies, leading to conflicts over territories and influence, especially in the Balkans.
- Imperial Competition: The scramble for Africa and competition for colonies strained relations between major powers, particularly between Britain, France, and Germany.
- Militarization: The arms race, particularly between Germany and France, as well as the naval arms race between Britain and Germany, heightened tensions and created an environment ripe for conflict.
Step 2
Balkan Wars and the Rise of Alliances
Answer
The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) intensified European tensions, as they illustrated the volatility in the region and drew in major powers. The formation of complex alliances, including the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente, aimed to balance power but also set the stage for a wider conflict.
The division of Europe into rival alliances created an atmosphere of mistrust, greatly increasing the chances of a large-scale war should a conflict arise.
Step 3
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Answer
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 acted as a catalyst for the already existing tensions. It triggered a chain reaction of events, leading to the declaration of war in July 1914. The interconnected alliances meant that a conflict that began in the Balkans quickly escalated into a full-scale war involving multiple nations.