The Entente Cordiale, Signed 1904 - 2461 Words

The Entente Cordiale, signed 1904, was a series of agreements that changed Anglo-Franco relations entirely. For one thousand years beforehand, the English and the French had many disagreements, wars, and conflicts that created a lot of tension between the two nations. But forty years after the Entente established a friendship between the two countries, England and France fought two major wars as very close allies. The main reason that the Entente Cordiale was signed in the first place was that England and France were having conflicts over land in Africa. Yet the agreement was so monumental in nature that it completely changed Anglo-Franco relations for over one hundred years to come. It caused the two countries that had previously hated each other to fight on the same side of two wars and cheer each other on. It changed public opinion and foreign policy between the two nations. However, the actual origins as to why the British would engage in negotiations with a country that they’ve hated for centuries seem uncertain. Germany is starting to mobilize, is threatening Britain with its rapidly growing and modernizing navy, and is industrializing at an alarming rate. At the same time, France is becoming more prominent in Africa and the Mediterranean, not to mention a powerful alliance with Russia in addition. With these facts in mind, what was the strategic upside to England signing the Ente nte with an old enemy? Was it to defend themselves from the growing military threat ofShow MoreRelatedThe Between 1879 And 19801833 Words   |  8 Pages1980 the relationships between the powers changed greatly in their nature, coinciding with a shift in the balance of power. The Entente Cordiale of 1904 can certainly be seen as a key turning point, along with other factors such as Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the SALT I and II agreements. The signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904 epitomised the ever-growing division on the European stage in the early 1900s, and certainly contributed to a pre-war allianceRead MoreDiscussing The First World War1432 Words   |  6 Pagesset into motion, one must know and comprehend all the past alliances, treaties and accords that were created in the past and that in time would bring to the two major European alliances, the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. The treaty that dates back the farthest is the Treaty of London, signed in 1839. More than alliance, the Treaty of London was a pact made between the countries in Europe to recognize the autonomy and neutrality of Belgium. This accord still existed and was valid in 1914Read MoreThe Second Alliance And The Triple Entente900 Words   |  4 Pagesfirst world war was a time of make alliances. These alliances started out as small agreements between countries turned into a force that divided the major powers of Europe into two alliances. These alliance were the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. Agreements made within these alliances help to pave the way to the war. The first of these alliances that was formed was the Triple Alliance. It was formed in secrecy in may of 1882. This alliance was made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and ItalyRead MoreThe Moroccan Crises Of 1905-1906 And 19111466 Words   |  6 PagesTriple Alliance and weakened it slightly because Austria-Hungary and Germany didn’t know if they could count on Italy’s support. However, it did make Austria-Hungary and Germany closer because they knew they could rely on each other’s support. The Entente Cordiale was strengthened because France felt more confident of Britain’s support after they supported them at Algeciras. Britain also started to take more interest over European matters so they came out of Splendid Isolation where they had stayed outRead MoreThe Reasons For The Outbreak Of The First World War1276 Words   |  6 Pageslong term causes. Between the years of 1817 and 1914 a ‘web of alliances’ can be seen to have formulated, effectively creating two sides within Europe. The Triple alliance of 1882 encompassed Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, whilst the Triple Entente of 1907 encompassed Great Britain, France and Russia. For Sir Edward Grey, the growing alliances within Europe encouraged the vast arms race within the European powers, and therefore in his opinion ‘made war inevitable’. However Otte can be seen toRead MoreThe Political And Geographic Situation Of Europe At The Beginning Of World War I991 Words   |  4 Pagesnation forming the centrals powers. In 1882 Italy joined the ranks of German allies thus creating the triple alliance. The German Kaiser, William II, wanted to make Germany a feared and respected nation, sensing the growing alliance of the triple entente he feared the nations of France ,England and Russia. France was realign from defeat and the German annexation of two of its territories, Alsace and Loriane in 1870, by the German chancellor Otto Von Bismark. The French people never forgiving theRead MoreThe Cause of World War I Essay740 Words   |  3 Pagescauses of The Great War and what effect they had. The Triple Alliance and Triple Entente First of all, the main powers in Europe were Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia. The aim of these countries was to keep a balance of power to prevent large scale wars. There were two main alliances during the WWI. In 1882, Germany, Austria-Hungaryand Italy signed a document stating they would give each other military support if there was a war. ThisRead MoreEssay What Extent Is Germany to Blame for Ww11735 Words   |  7 PagesAustria-Hungary signed a pact that created The Triple Alliance. This pact was to keep Italy from siding with Russia and turning on Austria-Hungary and Germany. Russia finally formed an alliance in 1894 with France called the Franco-Russian Alliance; this was to protect Russia from Germany and Austria-Hungary. The nineteenth century rolled around and four more alliances were made. The first of these alliances was made between France and Britain, and although not formal, when it was made in 1904 it helpedRead MoreThe First World War : The Great War1600 Words   |  7 Pagesto their rivalries in Europe. With nations having an increased tension along with a desire for power and prestige, the great nations were plunged into World War I. Powerful empires joined alliances. On one side of the Great War was the Triple Entente which consisted of France, Great Britain and Russia. On the other side of the war was Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy who joined forces to form the Triple Alliance. With the formation of the alliances, there were increased tensions between theRead MoreThe Catalyst for the First World War1679 Words   |  7 Pagesequipped army. Germany had, just before the outbreak of war, the second world fleet, behind Britain. The foreign policy of Germany was conducted by Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany from 1871 to 1890. Its policy enabled Germany signed numerous treaties and alliances, often with secret clauses. Nevertheless, he tried to preserve the European balance. In 1872 was formed the League of the Three Emperors (Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary), followed in 1879 by the double alliance (or