1900

1914 Imperialism centered in London

By 1900, the Old World of the 19th century characterized by nationalism and imperialism was merging with a New World characterized by modernism and militarism. These produced the long-term causes of the war.

Feb. 1 - British began to reverse their losses in the Boer War with the appointment of Lord Roberts and his Chief of Staff Lord Kitchener captured Johannesburg in May, Pretoria in June.

June 12 - Second German Naval Law passed to build a fleet of 38 battleships in 20 years, supported by Navy League and anti-British popular feeling.

June 21 - Admiral Seymour led British troops in the international relief expedition in China to suppress the Boxer Rebellion, entered Peking Aug. 14.

July 20 - The first Zeppelin flight was made by Count Ferdinand Zeppelin at Friedrichchafen.

Oct. 16 - Anglo-German Yangtze Agreement for the Open Door in China, designed to stop Russian expansion, consistent with John Hay's Open Door notes.

Nov. 6 - William McKinely won the presidential election with VP Theodore Roosevelt.

Dec. 16 - Franco-Italian agreement allowed Italy free hand in Libya and France in Morocco.

Sources:

• map from USMA
• Hale, Oron J. The Great Illusion, 1900-1914. New York: Harper & Row, 1971. 361 p.
• Joll, James. The Origins of the First World War. 2nd ed. New York: Longman, 1992. 264 p.
• Stone, Norman. Europe Transformed, 1878-1919. 2nd ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1999. 339 p.
• Taylor, A. J. P. The Struggle for Mastery in Europe, 1848-1918. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1954. 638 p

   

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