Imperialism
In the decades prior to WWI, powerful countries competed with each another to acquire territory around the world, especially in Africa.
They wanted natural resources and markets to sell their products, along with the prestige that accompanied owning territory.
Why?
Industrial Revolution? Need resources?
Nationalism? Expanding nation for power and pride?
Britain, France, Germany, etc were fighting over lands/colonies.
The Moroccan CrisisIn 1904, the colony of Morocco was given to France by Britain, though the Moroccans wanted their independence. In 1905, Germany announced her support for Moroccan independence in order to test the strength of the relationship between France and Britain.
Effects of the crisis:
The Bosnian CrisisIn 1908, Austria-Hungary took advantage of a revolution in Turkey to annex (take over) the Turkish state of Bosnia.
Effects of the crisis:
They wanted natural resources and markets to sell their products, along with the prestige that accompanied owning territory.
Why?
Industrial Revolution? Need resources?
Nationalism? Expanding nation for power and pride?
Britain, France, Germany, etc were fighting over lands/colonies.
The Moroccan CrisisIn 1904, the colony of Morocco was given to France by Britain, though the Moroccans wanted their independence. In 1905, Germany announced her support for Moroccan independence in order to test the strength of the relationship between France and Britain.
Effects of the crisis:
- Tension was increased between France and Germany.
- The British regarded this as an attempt by Germany to build a German Empire to rival the British Empire.
- At a conference in 1906, Britain and Russia supported France, and Germany was forced to promise to stay out of Morocco.
- In 1907, Britain and Russia, alarmed by German ambitions, made an Entente Alliance.
The Bosnian CrisisIn 1908, Austria-Hungary took advantage of a revolution in Turkey to annex (take over) the Turkish state of Bosnia.
Effects of the crisis:
- Serbia was furious because many Serbs lived in Bosnia.
- Serbia asked her ally Russia to help. Russia called a European Conference expecting support from France and Britain. However, Britain and France did not support Russia, no conference took place, and Russia, humiliated, was forced to back down.