Why was there tension between France and Germany before ww1 was that?
Sarah Garza
Updated on April 12, 2026
Fear of Germany's growing strength encouraged Russia and France to enter into alliance in 1893. German ambitions to build a battle fleet initiated a naval arms race with Britain that seriously strained relations between the two.
Why was there tension between France and Germany?
France and HabsburgsWhen he also inherited Spain in 1516, France was surrounded by Habsburg territories and felt under pressure. The resulting tension between the two powers caused a number of conflicts such as the War of the Spanish Succession, until the Diplomatic Revolution of 1756 made them allies against Prussia.