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The first Moroccan crisis (1905)
On 31st of March 1905, Kaiser Wilhelm II from Germany arrived at the city of Tangire in Morroco to deliver a speech declaring his support for the Sultan's Sovereignty against foreign powers, provoking tensions between France and Britain that would be later known as the Moroccan crisis. The crisis was due to Germany trying to disturb the Anglo-French Entente formed 2 years ago. It was to create a wedge between these two great powers' colonies that were expanding at a rapid rate. The European countries decided to hold a conference about Morroco's fate among the world through its independence and economic equality for all powers, but it turned out to be a diplomatic humiliation for Germany as for the 13 countries that are present only Austria-Hungary supported the idea. It would ultimately lead to the rising tautness that would be the first world war.

The second Moroccan crisis (1911)
As typical as it is with the "Weltpolitik" ideology, Germany was not done yet in Morroco as on the 1st July of 1911 the German gunboat SMS Panther was sent to the Morrocan port of Agadir that marked the second Morrocan crisis. As the previous crisis was a diplomatic failure for Germany, it still holds economic and commercial interests in the country. However, in 1911 the domestic problems in the country had declined as Sultan Abdul Hafeez was facing an uprising by native tribes that attacked the locals and also French forces who were stationed in Morroco. As a response to this, the French send 20.000 troops in an act of "protecting French citizens" in the area. As a response to this, the German state decided to send its gunboat to Agadir, to which France was hesitant to respond. The arrival of the German navy in Morroco raised some rumors about German plans on establishing a naval base in Morroco, which raised more public tensions in Britain, as the following day George's mansion house speech stated that "Britain would not tolerate German aggression in Africa". As the atmosphere was brewing up it was resolved through negotiations by French and German diplomats. In return for Germany's recognition of France's position in Morroco, Germany was given the Congo. As the damage was done, Britain and German relations were irreparable and mistrust that would lead to the outbreak of the Great war.

References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4GzTIRuksI&ab_channel=HistoryPod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eob5zc6Mrjk&ab_channel=HistoryPod

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The First and Second Balkan Wars (1912-1913) was a conflict between the Balkan states Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria against the Ottoman Empire.

First Balkan Wars
Montenegro started the conflict on 8th October 1912. Before its fellow Balkans could join, The Ottomans declared war on the Balkan states. The conflict's main theatre was Thrace, a land that borders irate Bulgaria, wise Greece, and warring Ottomans. While one Bulgarian army besieged the central cities, they achieved some victory against the Ottomans, nearly pushing them back out of Thrace.

Elsewhere the Serbian army broke the western Ottoman army at Kumanovo on 23 October and proceeded against diminishing resistance into other Balkan states until reaching the Adriatic coast in December. The Greek navy prevented the Ottomans from shipping reinforcements from Anatolia to the Balkans and occupied the Ottoman Aegean Islands. The Greek army advanced in two directions, entering Salonika on 8 November, and bringing the town of Janina under siege.

The Ottomans signed an armistice with Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Serbia on 3 December. Greek military operations continued. As a result of the Ottoman collapse, groups of Albanian notables, supported by Austria and Italy, declared Albanian independence on 28 November 1912.

A coup on 23 January 1913 returned a Young Turk government to power in Constantinople. This government was determined to continue the war, mainly to retain Adrianople. Hostilities recommenced, to the detriment of the Ottomans. The siege of Scutari, however, incurred international complications. The Austrians demanded that this predominantly Albanian-inhabited town become a part of the new Albanian state. Under Austro-Hungarian pressure, Serbian forces aiding the Montenegrin siege withdrew.

Meanwhile in London, peace negotiations resulted in the preliminary Treaty of London, signed on 30 May 1913 between the Balkan allies and the Ottoman Empire. By this treaty, the Ottomans Empire in Europe consisted of only a narrow band of territory in eastern Thrace defined by a straight line drawn from the Aegean port of Enos to the Black Sea port of Midya.

Second Balkan Wars
Although the Balkans had secured this victory against their historic foe, some were very disgruntled at their gains and wished for more, specifically Bulgaria wanted some area that was in Macedonia.

The Bulgarians started the attack on Greece and Serbia on 30 June 1913. This surprise and cowardly attack led to a coalition of Ottomans, Romania, Greece, and Serbia against Bulgaria. In the end, Bulgaria sued for peace and lost many territories to Romania, Greece, and Serbia.

Consequences
Though this was a small conflict, there were long-standing consequences effect to these wars. Russia lost Bulgaria as a strategic ally to Germany, leaving Serbia as Russia's only ally

https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/balkan_wars_1912-1913

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Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
Russo-Japanese War was the first major conventional war of the 20th century that manages to alter the power balance in both Europe and Asia. The conflict arose as a result of Russia's and Japan's rivalry for dominance in Korea and Manchuria.

Japan experienced rapid modernization as it transformed from an isolationist feudal state into a vigorous modern power. Japan later proved its power when the First Sino-Japanese War against the Qing Dynasty concluded with a victory. They quickly rose to prominence as the strongest power in East Asia. Given this position, tension and rivalries were developed with the European great powers, Russia in particular. From 1894, Russia, which at the time was under the reign of Tsar Nicholas II began attempting to expand its influence in Manchuria and Korea. After the Sino-Japanese War, Russia and the other European power forced Japan to give up the strategic naval base at Port Arthur which Russia then forced the Chinese to lease to it.

Since the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894, Russia's involvement in the region had been a source of concern for Japan. An agreement was initially attempted by the Japanese, who offered to give up the authority of Manchuria (northeastern China) in exchange for retained power over Korea within the conditions of the proposal. Russia, however, rejected Japan's proposal and insisted that Korea north of the 39th parallel function as a neutral zone. Following the failure of discussions, the Japanese resolved to initiate a war, launching a surprise attack on the Russian naval at Port Arthur on February 8, 1904.

Battle of Port Arthur
Targeting three of the largest ships, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched an assault on the Russian Far East Fleet at Port Arthur. The following day, the Battle of Port Arthur got underway, deterring the Russians from carrying the conflict to the open seas. Russian ships that managed to avoid the Japanese, though, were not completely unharmed. On April 12, the battleships Petropavlovsk and Pobeda collided with mines, sinking the former and injuring the latter. Two Japanese battleships were damaged by Russian mines as retaliation for the raid. The Asian power, who continued to heavily shell the harbor, maintained the upper hand at Port Arthur.

Battle of Liaoyang
The Japanese navy successfully defended Port Arthur from Russian fortifications, sunk all Russian ships, and gained control of its garrison. In 1905, Russian Major General Anatoly Stessel surrendered, resulting in a significant victory. Stessel was later convicted of treason and sentenced to death. The Russian Navy suffered heavy losses during the Battle of the Yellow Sea, forcing its leaders to mobilize their Baltic Fleet for reinforcements.

Russo-Japanese war in Manchuria and Korea
Japanese ground forces controlled the Korean peninsula after landing in Incheon, South Korea, and took over Seoul and the rest within two months. In April 1904, they planned an attack on Russian-controlled Manchuria in northeastern China. The Battle of Yalu River was the first major land battle, forcing the Russian Eastern Detachment to retreat. The next notable land battle was on February 20, 1905, when Japanese forces attacked the Russians at Mukden. After days of intense fighting, the Japanese forced them into full retreat, and on March 10, after three weeks, the Russians were pushed back to northern Mukden.

Battle of Tsushima
The Japanese won the war with their navy, despite sustaining significant casualties during the Battle of Mukden. After Russia's Baltic Fleet arrived in May 1905, they faced the challenge of navigating the Sea of Japan to Vladivostok. The Japanese navy, under Admiral Togo Heihachiro, attempted to block the Russians' path and engaged them in battle at the Tsushima Straits. The Russians lost eight battleships and 5,000 men, and only three vessels made it to their destination.

Treaty of Portsmouth
The conflict was formally concluded with the Treaty of Portsmouth, which was negotiated by US President Theodore Roosevelt on September 5th 1905 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS-N_IPCRSc
https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/the-russo-japanese-war-and-world-history/
https://www.history.com/topics/asian-history/russo-japanese-war
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deuzVsKMsTA

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In the late 19th century, Russia ought for territorial expansion in its far east—annexing Manchuria and subsequently laying claim to Korea. Consequently, this heightened tensions with its japanese neighbor which considered Korea to be a buffer zone against invasion. In addition to that, this disrupted British interests and security in Asia which were heavily concerned regarding its colonial possessions (India).

Given these wide array of problems, both governments saw the benefit in forming a common front through an alliance. These were the commitments of both Japan and Britain in the alliance :

1. If either country was attacked, the other would maintain benevolent neutrality. This means supporting them diplomatically and economically, although not taking part militarily.

2. If either country was attacked by two or more entities, the other will commit to go to war on behalf of the other.

The nature of this alliance allowed it to be renewed or to be modified. Consequently, this would force Russia to face both powers in the case of a war.

Refrences:
https://www.historycentral.com/asia/Anglo-JapTreaty.html

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Entente Cordiale (1904)
Entente Cordiale, (April 8, 1904), an Anglo-French agreement that, by settling a number of controversial matters, ended antagonisms between Great Britain and France and paved the way for their diplomatic cooperation against German pressures in the decade preceding World War I (1914–18).

The Entente Cordiale was a predecessor to the formal alliances formed in WWI. Great Britain and France signed the Entente Cordiale to protect their individual interests in North Africa. It evolved into an informal military alliance against Germany and their increasingly powerful army and navy.

References:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi50dHLiNuAAxU0d2wGHXpaAhoQFnoECBEQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhomework.study.com%2Fexplanation%2Fhow-did-the-entente-cordiale-cause-wwi.html%23%3A~%3Atext%3DAnswer%2520and%2520Explanation%253A%2Cincreasingly%2520powerful%2520army%2520and%2520navy.&usg=AOvVaw3B0Hh6gIAxNabD67iZg7nk&opi=89978449

https://www.britannica.com/event/Entente-Cordiale

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The Bosnian Crisis (1908)
The Bosnian Crisis of 1908 was a significant diplomatic and political event that happened within the Balkans and Europe, including the domains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It marked a turning point within the complex political flow of the region and contributed to the tensions that eventually driven to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. At the time, Bosnia and Herzegovina were under the nominal organization of the Ottoman Empire but were occupied by Austria-Hungary since the Congress of Berlin in 1878. The Austrian-Hungarian Empire had de facto control over the region and had implemented different administrative reforms. However, the official extension of the region had been postponed due to the resistance of other European powers, primarily Russia. In 1908, the situation changed drastically. The Young Turks, a group of reformist Ottoman officers and officials, effectively overthrew the dictatorial Sultan Abdul Hamid II in a coup. The Young Turks' rise to power made vulnerability about the future of the Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary saw this as an opportunity to formalize its control over Bosnia and Herzegovina. In October 1908, Austria-Hungary declared the extension of Bosnia and Herzegovina, catching other European powers off guard. This action violated the terms of the 1878 Treaty of Berlin, which had given Austria-Hungary the right to occupy the region but not to annex it through and through. The extension of Bosnia and Herzegovina led to a major political crisis. Russia, which had already supported Austrian control over the region, now saw the extension as a challenge to its impact within the Balkans and as a threat to the balance of power. Serbia, a Slavic state with goals of uniting South Slavs beneath its rule, was also irritated by the extension and feared the implications for its own expansionist objectives.

The German War Council (1912)
The term "German War Council" generally refers to meetings or gatherings where high-ranking military and political leaders in Germany would discuss and make decisions related to military strategy, war planning, and other crucial aspects of warfare. These councils were an integral part of the decision-making process during times of conflict, such as World War I and World War II. During World War I, the German War Council referred to a group of key military and political figures who were responsible for coordinating and making strategic decisions for the German military effort. This council included top military commanders, such as the Chief of the General Staff, as well as political leaders who were involved in shaping military policies and strategies. The German War Council of World War I played a significant role in determining military campaigns, allocating resources, and responding to changing circumstances on the battlefield. The council would discuss matters like troop movements, supply lines, offensive and defensive strategies, and coordination with allied powers. In World War II, the German War Council had a similar function but operated in the context of the Second World War. Adolf Hitler, as the Führer and Chancellor of Germany, held considerable influence over military decisions, often bypassing the traditional chain of command. Key figures such as Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, General Alfred Jodl, and others were part of the decision-making process within this context. The German War Councils were crucial in shaping the course of both World War I and World War II, with their decisions impacting military actions, alliances, and the broader geopolitical landscape. However, it's important to note that the specific details, participants, and decisions varied depending on the historical context and the war being discussed.

Refrences:
https://www.britannica.com/event/Bosnian-crisis-of-1908
https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/bosnian_crisis#:~:text=In%20the%20narrow%20sense%2C%20the,territory%20of%20the%20Dual%20Monarchy.
https://study.com/learn/lesson/bosnian-crisis-1908-history-effect-austrian-occupation-bosnia.html
https://historylearning.com/world-war-one/causes-of-world-war-one/bosnian-crisis/
https://www.macgregorishistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/WWI-1912-Potsdam-War-Council.pdf
https://www.cambridgeblog.org/2014/07/beginning-the-great-war/

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The Triple Entente was formed in the early 20th century. It was primarily a pact of mutual self-defense: Each country pledged to come to the military aid of another if that country were attacked. It consisted of three major powers: Britain, France, and Russia. They formed an alliance (partnership) that were fighting against Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The triple entente counterbalanced the Triple Alliance of 1882. It eventually lost 6 million military personnel.

The timeline is:

1. 1904: The Entente Cordiale represented the culmination of the policy of Théophile Delcassé, who believed that a Franco-British understanding would give France some security in Western Europe against any German system of alliances. The Entente Cordiale is signed between Britain and France, resolving colonial disputes by 1904.

2. 1907: The Anglo-Russian Entente is signed in st Petersburg, improving relations between Britain and Russia. Russia signed the agreement to regulate their economic politics interest. This has became a major contributing factor regarding the outbreak of first World War I.

3. 1914: Each country pledged to come to the military aid of another if that country were attacked. It was that Russia, attacked by Austria-Hungary, called on Great Britain and France to enter the war. The outbreak of World War I leads to the formalization of the Triple Entente as a military alliance.

4. 1917: The alliance was ended by the outbreak revolution of Russian. But the military alliance between France and the UK lasted until 1940, when Nazi Germany invaded France.

The Allies managed to win the WW1, because of the constant refining of the armaments, the tactics and the strategies they used as well as Germany's strategic errors.

References

https://socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/tripleentente.htm#:~:text=As%20was%20the%20Triple%20Alliance,France%20to%20enter%20the%20war.

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Franco-Russian Alliance (1894)

During the late 19th century a lot of countries formed an alliance with other countries to guarantee their own safety and help their economic position. France wanted support against Germany, Russia also wanted support against Austria-Hungary. Forming this alliance would become a “two-front” threat to Germany because it was located in between the two nations. In case of war, they would have been forced to fight on two fronts simultaneously.

August 1891, they made a preliminary agreement in case of aggression against either of them. This agreement was strengthened by a military convention in August 1892, if France is attacked by Germany or by Italy supported by Germany, Russia would field 700,000 to 800,000 men to fight Germany, if Russia is attacked by Germany or by Austria-Hungary supported by Germany, France would field 1,300,000 men to fight Germany.

Reference:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dual-Alliance