1893, July 13. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1893, July 13

French ultimatum to Siam, resulting in a short but severe crisis in Anglo-French relations. The French took a strong stand and generally won their point, thereby making a good impression on Russia.	1

July 15

Passage of the German military bill, reducing service in the infantry to two years but increasing the forces. This created much uneasiness in both France and Russia and reminded the Russians of the value of the connection with France.	2

Dec. 27–1894, Jan. 4

Exchange of notes between the Russian and French governments, formally accepting the military convention worked out 18 months before. The agreement was really political as much as military, but was classed as a military convention in order to circumvent the French constitution, which required submission of treaties to the Chamber of Deputies. The convention was to remain in force as long as the Triple Alliance. It provided the following: (1) If France was attacked by Germany, or by Italy supported by Germany, Russia would employ all available forces against Germany; if Russia was attacked by Germany, or by Austria supported by Germany, France would employ all available forces against Germany. (2) In case the forces of the Triple Alliance, or of any one member of it, mobilized, France and Russia should mobilize without delay. Other articles provided for the number of troops to be employed, for specific plans of the general staffs, for secrecy, and so on.	3


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.