In her novel, The Guns of August, Barbara Tuchman reviews the strategic planning, misfortune, and pure luck that shaped the opening days of World War I. Most historians trace the origins of World War I to January 18, 1871. On that date, at the palace of Versailles#, diplomats were signing a treaty that would end the Franco-Prussian War#. During the conference, delegates from Prussia and other German states announced the formation of a united German nation. This announcement drastically changed European and World Politics. .
The emergence of the German Empire and the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian and Austro-Prussian# Wars greatly upset the balance of power on the continent. France became very eager to regain prestige, and the territory of Alsace-Lorraine, that had been lost in the Franco-Prussian War. The new German state was an industrial giant, wielding great economic and political power. Austria had been on the short end of the Prussian .
unification of Germany. Franz Josef# was forced to adopt the Dual Monarchy and his empire in the Balkans had become as decadent as that of the Ottoman Turks#. Britain and Russia had successfully maintained their status throughout the transition, though it would not be long before the King and the Czar would be affected by Germany. In addition to the new German state, European nations had other conflicts. Europeans had dominated every corner of the globe. Instead of bringing greater good and prosperity, imperialism only fomented conflict and competition between nations.
Under all these tensions, the Alliance system was formed. Under Bismarck, Germany shrewdly navigated diplomatic waters. In 1873, the Three Emperors' League of Germany, Russia, and Austria was formed. The League soon broke up because of rivalry between Russia and Austria concerning the Balkans#. However, it was a successful example of how France could be isolated and alienated.
