The First Moroccan Crisis (1905-1906)
- Background: Germany aimed to challenge the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale (1904), which allowed France to take over Morocco in exchange for recognizing British interests in Egypt.
- Events:
- Kaiser Wilhelm II visited Morocco to support the Sultan against French control.
- Called for an international conference on Morocco’s future.
- Outcome:
- The Algeciras Conference (1906) resulted in:
- Agreement on Moroccan independence.
- France tasked with policing Morocco.
- Unfavorable for Germany:
- Only Austria-Hungary supported Germany; Britain, Russia, Italy, and Spain backed France.
- Strengthened military negotiations between France and Britain.
- The Algeciras Conference (1906) resulted in:
- The Second Moroccan Crisis (Agadir Crisis, 1911)
- Background: Civil war in Morocco led to French intervention to protect European interests.
- Events:
- Germany dispatched the gunboat Panther to Agadir to assert its claims.
- Lloyd George affirmed British support for French interests.
- Agreement: France ceded two territories in Congo to Germany in exchange for recognition of its protectorate over Morocco.
Results of the Agadir Crisis
- Germany gained minor territories but faced:
- Continued British and French dominance in North Africa.
- Increased isolation in Europe, supported only by Austria-Hungary.
- A diplomatic defeat for Germany and a victory for the Entente powers.
Impact on the Outbreak of World War I
- Hostility and Suspicion: Heightened tensions among great powers; Britain and France viewed Germany as a threat.
- Division of Powers: Strengthened alliances; Britain and France cooperated against Germany.
- Future Alliances: The crisis revealed potential alliances that would form during WWI, with Austria-Hungary siding with Germany while others supported France.