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Germany unifies as an Imperial federation of states
Following the defeat of France in the French-Prussian war, Germany formed an Imperial federation of states. This led to mass industrialization, nationalism and population growth. The term imperial also shows their aggressive intentions. -
Franco-Prussian War
"The war between France and Prussia (the future German Empire) ended with a humiliating defeat for France. It lost the regions of Alsace and Lorraine, and was forced to pay a huge indemnity to Prussia. The Franco-Prussian War led to creation of a powerful German Empire with a military and industrial potential to further disrupt the European balance of power"
(2016, historylists.org) -
Wilhelm takes the throne
Kaiser Wilhelm rises to power in Germany. He rose to power, dismissed Otto von Bismarck and refused to renew a treaty with Russia. -
Britain and Japan form a naval alliance
This is significant because Japan has recently defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. -
Britain and France form alliance
They agree to give mutual military support in the event of a war. -
Period: to
Russo-Japanese War
"Russo-Japanese rivalry over Manchuria and Korea reached its height with the Russo-Japanese War.The (Russian) defeat also provoked a serious political crisis that led to the Russian Revolution of 1905. But the Russo-Japanese War also made an end to the Russian ambitions in the Far East .. This intensified the old rivalry with Austria-Hungary that also had a great interest in the Balkans. -
Period: to
Russo Japanese Wars
The defeat Russia suffered in this battle caused them to turn their interest to Europe, specifically the Balkans. -
Period: to
Tangier Crisis
This was a part of the Moroccan Crises, along with the Agadir Crisis. Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany met with representatives of Morocco, which angered Britain and France because they had colonial holdings in Africa. -
Period: to
Moroccan Crises
Kaiser Wilhelm met with representatives of Morocca. Their lingering presence in and near French colonies in North Africa caused them to mobilize their troops. Germany made this move to make problems between France and Britain, but it drew them together. -
Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia-Herzegovina
Germany had previously annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina, but they pressured Russia to back Austria in this move. This was likely done to intimidate the citizens and attempt to settle the citizens. -
Agadir Crisis
This crisis was sparked by a French military presence in Morocco. This heated tensions between France and Germany. -
Period: to
Italo-Turkish War
This war represented one of the Ottoman Army's first defeats, revealing weakness -
Austria Cuts ties with Serbia and begins to mobilize its troops
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Period: to
Balkan Wars
"The Balkan War erupts in southern Europe as Serbia leads an attack by members of the Balkan League (Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece) against the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire to drive the Turks out of Europe."
(2014, historyplace.com)
The turks are temporarily driven out of Europe. -
The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Ferdinand was the archduke of Serbia. He was the heir to the throne, and was assassinated while he was visiting Bosnia. There was an initial failed bombing, but Ferdinand was assassinated after they decided to continue their visit. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Ferdinand was the heir to the thrown of Austria-Hungary and was assassinated during his visit to Bosnia. There was an initial failed attempt but he met his fate when he chose to continue the visit. -
Austria-Hungary offers Bosnia an ultimatum
With the backing of Germany, Austria-Hungary offers an ultimatum. Bosnia agrees to arbitration, but also prepared for war by mobilizing their army. -
Britain calls for mediation
"Britain tries to convene a conference of the major European powers to resolve the situation. France, Italy and Russia agree to take part. Germany says no."
(2009, historyplace.com) -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
This event followed failed arbitration between the two countries. Austria-Hungary presented an ultimatum following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Serbia accepted but mobilized their troops. Germany endorses Austria. -
Period: to
Diplomatic beginning of warfare
Germany declares war on Russia. Germany declares war on France and invades Belgium. Britain backs France and declares war on Germany. This is binding to multiple nations that England is allied with. Along with the Ottoman Wars, the war between Serbia and Austria and the Ottoman presence displayed chaos across the continent.
