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Egypt and Fashoda (Fashoda Incident)
The Fashoda Incident between Great Britain and France was the pinnacle of territorial disagreements in Africa. Great Britain wanted to connect Uganda to Egypt by the “Cape to Cairo” railroad. France pushed towards the east from the west, hoping to extend its empire and control Sudan. The desire to conquer Africa caused tensions at the fort in Fashoda, bringing countries to the brink of war. In the end, France withdres, and Britain won. -
2nd Boer War
Great Britain and two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic, and Orange Free State, engaged in the Second Boer War. The Second Boer War arose when the British declined the Transvaal ultimatum. It stated, all disagreements be settled by adjudication, withdrawal of British troops from borders, etc. During the war, colonies experienced concentration camps, and the dilemma of choosing a side. The war ended with Britain’s victory and the conquest of both republic. -
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance between Britain and Japan to safeguard their respective interests in China and Korea because of mutual fear of Russia’s expansion. It stated that both nations will remain neutral if one was at war, and that the other was obligated to come to aid and engage in war if other powers united against one of them. Such contract was crucial to Russia since it was unable to receive aid from France during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904. -
Entente Cordiale
The Entente Cordiale was an agreement between Britain and France created to resolve conflicts between the two nations. Not only did it concern disputes over Egypt and Morocco, but it was also a declaration of the strong bond and friendship between Britain and France. It stated that France vowed not to interfere British control over Egypt. In turn, France got a free hand in Morocco. Also, France and Britain had motives to protect themselves against Germany. -
1st Moroccan Crisis
In 1905, Kaiser Wilhelm made a speech that Germany supported the Sultan of Morocco, which angered France and Britain. The clash between Germany and the new allies is the First Moroccan Crisis. In reality, the kaiser had no interest in Morocco, but wanted to disrupt the Anglo-French Entente. In result, the crisis brought Britain and France closer, while it also made Germany and France to become more cautious of each other. -
Anglo-Russian Entente
The Anglo-Russian Entente was an agreement to settle colonial disputes between Britain and Russia regarding Persia, Afghanistan, and Tibet. The two nations mutually engaged to respect the independence of Persia, specified that neither would interfere in Tibet’s internal affairs, and recognized Britain’s influence over Afghanistan. Overall, it resolved conflicts over underdeveloped countries in Central Asia, and influenced the establishment of the Triple Alliance that opposed the Central Powers. -
Bosnian Crisis
The Bosnian Crisis emerged from the annexation of the province, Bosnia, by Austria- Hungary. Serbians, who disagreed with the annexation, believed in the Germans for help. Unfortunately, Germany had already signed a contract with Austria that gave them control over Constantinople in exchange for its agreement with Austria’s decision. The international tension the crisis brought amongst the several nations greatly contributed as one of the causes of World War 1.
