History 12
Ms. Lacroix
Name _________________________________
GREAT POWER ALLIANCES – DBQ
___
6
Source A – Great Power comparisons, 1914
Entente
Population
Land forces
Arms spending
Battleships
Alliance
Population
Land forces
Arms spending
Battleships
Britain
45 million
711 000
£ 50 million
64
Germany
65 million
2 200 000
£ 60 million
49
France
40 million
1 250 000
£ 37 million
28
Russia
164 million
1 200 000
£ 67 million
16
Austria-Hungary
50 million
810 000
£ 22 million
16
Source B – Alliances by 1914
Source C - adapted from a secondary text: Comments on the European
international scene
The international scene was changed by the eclipse of Russia, the emergence of
Germany and the Entente. Grey (British Foreign Secretary) was determined to
stand by France. He was impatient to see Russia re-established in European
politics. He looked forward to an agreement with Russia that would extend the
Entente with France. He wanted friendly relations with Germany provided
Germany accepted Britain’s friendly relations with France and Russia.
Source D
-
British Colonial Secretary, 1912
The assumption that we are in fact members of a new Triple Alliance, opposed to
the old (i.e. the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria, and Italy) is so mischievous
and dangerous that I think some early opportunity should be taken of making it
clear to both France and Russia that such an assumption is wholly opposed to
our policy and intentions.
Source E-
An American observer, 1914:
The situation is extraordinary. It is militarism run stark mad. Unless someone
can bring about a different understanding there is some day to be an awful
catastrophe. No one in Europe can do it. There is too much hatred, too many
jealousies. When England consents, France and Russia will close in on Germany
and Austria.
Knowledge/Understanding:
1.
2.
3.
What made Europe an increasingly dangerous place in the years
before 1914?
To what extent did the results of military and diplomatic developments
before 1914 give a seeming advantage to the Entente Powers?
How important was Britain’s role in Europe in the years before 1914?
Evidence
1.
2.
3.
How reliable is Source D as evidence of British Government attitudes
towards Europe?
In what ways are the ideas put forward in Sources D and E similar or
different? Explain.
Does Source D or Source E give the more convincing explanation of
the European situation before 1914? Explain.