history WW1

Long term Causes

The Rise of Germany

Germany was divided into states until the middle of the 19^th century. Most important state was Prussia; they wanted to become an independent state. France didn’t want this and went to war against Prussia from 1870-71, they were beaten. King of Prussia became Kaiser of Germany. Between 1871 and 1914 the economy grew based on a huge industrial revolution. By 1914 output of German factories had overtaken British ones. 

The Arms Race

After 1897 Germany began building an enormous navy, challenging Britain’s. New German laws in 1900 ordering the building of huge new fleet of 41 battle ships and 60 cruisers began arms race with Britain. Britain introduced new battleship ‘Dreadnought’ in 1906 and then ‘Super Dreadnoughts’ to which Germany responded by building similar ones of their own. Other countries then took part e.g France increased their forces and Russia spent lots on theirs.

The Two Alliances

1897 – Germany signed an…