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Creation of the Dual Alliance
In 1879, Otto von Bismarck, chancellor of Prussia, formed the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria- Hungary. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Three years after the Dual Alliance was formed, Italy joined forming the Triple Alliance (the alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Kaiser Wilhelm II, ruler of Germany, forced Bismarck to resign in 1890. He did not want to share power with anyone. In 1890 Wilhelm let his nation’s treaty with Russia lapse. -
Alliance of Russia and France
After Wilhelm let his treaty with Russia decline, Russia formed a defensive military alliance with France in 1892 and 1894. -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1905 and again in 1911, Germany and France nearly fought over who would control Morocco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Germany backed down. This event is significant because it shows how imperialism, expanding an empire by taking over weaker countries, led to intense competition and conflict betweem European countries. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
Wilhelm began a shipbuilding program to try to make the German navy as powerful as the British. Britain formed an entente, or alliance, with France and in 1907 Britain made another entente, with both France and Russia. -
Austria annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 1908, Austria annexed, or took over, Bosnia and Herzegovina. These two areas had large Slavic populations. Serbian leaders who wanted to rule these areas were angry. -
Rise of militarism
The policy of honoring military power and keeping an army prepared for war was called militarism. The countries of Europe believed that they needed to have a powerful military to be great. By 1914, all the Great Powers except Britain had large standing armies. -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
On June 28th, 1914, Archduke Ferdinand, and his wife, Sophie visited Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. They were shot by Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serbian, as they rode through the streets in an open car. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
Austria decided to punish Serbia because of the assassination. The Serbian leaders agreed to Austria's demands, however they had already settled a war. On July 28th, Austria declared war on Serbia. -
Germany declares war on Russia and France
Russia mobilized along the German border. Russia’s mobilization led to Germany declaring war. On August 1, Germany declared war on Russia. Two days later they declared war on France because they were an ally of Russia. -
Britain declares war on Germany
Soon after Germany declared war on Russia and France, Great Britain declared war on Germany. This made much of Europe in battle.
