The Coming of the Great War - Origins and Alliances in Early 20th Century Europe

Explore the complex origins of World War I in this 48-minute lecture from Yale University's European Civilization course. Examine the unexpected alliances that formed, including the surprising collaboration between France and Britain. Delve into the economic, geopolitical, and cultural factors that shaped these alliances, with a focus on Franco-German relations and the significance of Alsace-Lorraine. Analyze key events like the Saverne Incident and the Schlieffen Plan, which set the stage for the conflict. Gain insights into the tangled web of rivalries, Britain's involvement in continental affairs, and the formation of the Triple Entente. Understand how these factors contributed to the outbreak of the Great War, challenging early 20th-century predictions about the nature of impending conflict.