Causes of WW1

Triple Alliance is formed.

Aug 30, 1882

Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy formed the Triple Alliance. The three countries originally agreed to support each other if attacked by either France or Russia.

First Moroccan Crisis

Jan 1, 1905

Due to France’s strengthening interests in Morocco, Germany negatively responded but as France was supported by Britain and Russia at the Algericas Conference 1906. This created a diplomatic setback for Germany. This contributed to the causes of WW1 because it was the first major demonstration of this new Triple Alliance.

Triple Entente was formed.

Aug 30, 1907

Britain joined Russia and France to form the Triple Entente. These three countries formed together and promised to support eachother if attacked.

Balkan Crisis

Jan 1, 1908

Austria wanted to take over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Serbia encouraged by Russia denounced this take over as it threatened Serbia’s independence. Germany supported Austria though war was avoided. This was significant to the causes of WW1 as it began the increasing tension in the Balkans and challenged the major powers Austria-Hungary, Russia and Germany.

Second Moroccan Crisis

Jul 1, 1911

The Second Moroccan Crisis, also known as the Agadir Crisis, was a reaction caused by the occurrence of the German gunboat, Panther, in the Moroccan port of Agadir on July 1, 1911. It was an attempt to intimidate the French into compensating Germany for certain concessions at the Algericas Conference. Germany dropped the significant hint that the Panther would be withdrawn from Agadir as soon as the French withdrew from Fez.But the move of Panther also sparked hostility with Britain because Ger

Balkan Wars

Aug 30, 1912

Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria formed the Balkan League and attacked Turkey as they believed Turkey was seeking power over the Balkan states once again. Turkey was defeated. In 1913 Bulgaria encouraged by Austria attacked Greece and Serbia and was defeated. This added to the causes of WW1 as it caused more tension between the Balkan States was raised.

Assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne was assassinated by a terrorist group called the Young Bosnians. This is referred to as the fuse that lit WW1 as it was the event that began the war.

Blank Cheque.

Jul 5, 1914

German Kaiser and Chancellor agreed to support Austria in the outbreak of war through the giving of the ‘blank cheque creating a strong alliance.

Ultimatum for Serbia.

Jul 23, 1914

Austria sends a ultimatum to Serbia which included harsh terms, such as that Austrians official be permitted to enter Serbia to suppress anti-Austrian movements and demands a reply within 48 hours.

Serbia's Response.

Jul 25, 1914

Serbia replies and accepts most demands except one that stated Austrian officials could enter Serbia. Austria does not except this. This angers Russia as they support Serbia and notified their opposition to Austria and Austria rejected their threat.

WW1 Begins.

Jul 28, 1914

28 July to 1 August 1914- Austria- Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia declares mobilisation for war, Germany demands that Russia demobilises. France and Germany mobilise, Germany declares war and WW1 begins.