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Creation of Dual Alliance
The Dual Alliance was formed by a German named Bismarck between Germany and Austria Hungary. Although the alliance system, designed to keep peace in Europe, was a good idea, it actually created more conflicts.
He created it because he knew that as long as France didn't have any allies, they would pose no threat to Germany. This was the beginning of the famous Triple Alliance, an alliance formed between three countries - Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy - during WWI. (Picture - Dual Alliance) -
Creation of Triple Alliance
The Triple Alliance was formed three years after the Dual Alliance, when Italy decided that they wanted to join the Dual Alliance of Germany and Austria-Hungary. The Triple Alliance was one of the two major sides of Europe during the WWI period. (Picture - red is triple alliance) -
Rise of Wilhelm II, Resignation of Bismarck, Treaty with Russia
Wilheml, two years ruler of Germany, forced Bismarck to resign from his postion because he didn't want to share the power with anyone. He stopped following the treaty that Germany had with Russia. Because of the broken treaty, Russia formed an alliance with France, which was exactly what Bismark had feared. (Picture - Bismarck) -
Alliance of Russia and France
The alliance of France and Russia was created because Wilhelm II broke the treaty between Russia and Germany. Russia became defensive and sided with France. This was the beginning of the Triple Entente - a alliance between Britain, France, and Russia - another of the major sides of Europe during the WWI period. (Picture - French and Russian flag) -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1905 and again 1911, German and France nearly fought over who would control Morocco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Germany backed down. Intense competition and conflict between some European countries is shown by imperialism, when one country takes over another country, in this event. (Picture - Morocco in 1905) -
Creation of Triple Entente
The Triple Entente was created because Germany had made Great Britain nervous and so they formed an alliance with France, and then later Russia. This was one of the two main sides in Europe during the WWI period. (Picture - French, Brittish, and Russian flags) -
Austria Annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Serbian leaders had wanted those countries for their own. Their nationalism, a deep devotion to one's nation, was a large factor in why Serbia wanted to control Bosnia and Herzegovina. They were outraged that Austira-Hungary had taken Bosnia and Herzegovia and tension rose between the two countries. Eventually, war was declared on Serbia. (Picture - Bosnia and Herzegovia) -
Rise of Militarism
By January 1, 1914, all of the countries had prepared a military and were ready for war except for Great Britain. Militarism is an act of keeping the army prepared for war so that they would be ready for a surprise attack. This was an important part duing the beginning of WWI in case of a surprise attack. (Picture - military) -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
While Austria's heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was in Bosnia, he and his wife, were shot dead and this gave Austria a reason to get revenge on Serbia. Eventually, war was declared on Serbia because Austria-Hungary wanted to get even with Serbia. (Picture - Archduke Franz Ferdinand) -
Germans declare War on Serbia
On August 1st, the Germans declared war on Russia. On August 3rd, the Germans declared war on the French. -
Declarations of War
The first day of WWI was on July 28, 1914. It was started when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Soon after, many other countries declared war. This was the beginning of WWI. Although many people thought it would be a short war, the war lasted for over 4 years. (Picture - soldiers) -
Britain Declares War on Germany
Not long after, Britain declared war on Germany. (Picture - soldiers)
