Starting World War One

by Seamus Benz in History, March 2, 2009

At the beginning of January 1871, Germany unified n with Kaiser William I as ruler.

When the 1880s came around, Germany signed a secret reinsurance treaty with Russia, this treaty along with other alliances, left France and England alone. Eight years later, the Kaiser died. The heir, Kaiser William, decieded that he had no reason to remain a friend of Russia. He terminated the alliance and started to build up the navy. Disappointed by losing their friendship, Russia turned to France and formed the Duel Entente.

Great Britain had long had a policy of isolation, a policy they were proud of. But when they saw the German Navy, they were filled with fear. They had a strong navy, one of the strongest in the world, but this new buildup challenged their power. This also challenged their protection; for the only way to Britain was by sea. They neede to have protection. In 1902, they took their first step to a system of friendship. They created an alliance with Japan that became known as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Two years later, they put aside quarrels with France and made the Entente Cordiale. But they had to pay a price. The price was Morroco. England had to help France take over Morroco (Morroco was already under Britain control, Britain would hand authority over). Kaiser William was frusterated by this, so in 1905, he sailed to Morroco and made his infamous Tangier speech. He suppourted Morroco’s independance and demanded conference to discuss Morroco’s future. The Algeçiras conference was held, and much to Germany’s disappointment, Great Britain fully supported the French ruling. But Morroco became independant, France became in charge of their eternal affairs though. In 1907, France took steps to deminish quarrels between Russia and England. The Triple Entente was formed, Germany felt she was surrounded, tension grew tighter.