-
Triple Alliance Vs. Triple Entente
In 1881, Germany made an alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy. They were going to protect each other in case of an attack from France. However, Italy then went and made a secret alliance with France saying they wouldn't aide Germany. In 1907. The triple alliance was formed between France, Britain, and Russia. Germany then felt that this powerful alliance posted a threat to their existence and power in the region.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/causes_of_ww1.php -
Imperialism
France and Britain, had created large worldwide empires and became very rich. Germany and Russia wanted to create their own vast empires. This caused competition and conflict between the countries throughout the world.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/causes_of_ww1.php -
Declarations of War
Austria-Hungary first attacked Serbia, however, their alliance immediately began to mobilize its troops and prepare for eat. Germany, Austria-Hungary's ally then declared war on Russia a few days later. Then Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium. Britain then declared war on Germany and World War I had begun.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/causes_of_ww1.php -
The Schliffen Plan
Germany created a plan called the Schrieffer Plan, that basically called for quick movements that would surround and destroy the war. It was Germany's hope to end the war quickly by attacking France. The violation of the plan was what was considered to have caused the Germans to loose the war.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/world-war-one/causes-of-world-war-one/the-schlieffen-plan/ -
Battle of the Marne
As the Germans approached Paris, the Allies of Britain and France decided to give an all out effort to stop the advance of the Germany army. All sides of the Germans were attacked and they were forced to retreat. This fight became known as the First Battle of the Marne. The result in the battle left 220,00 German soldiers killed.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/first_battle_of_the_marne.php -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun was the longest single battle during World War I lasting from February 21 to December 18, 1916. It was fought between the German and French armies. German Chief of General Staff, von Falkenhayn wanted to “bleed France white" by launching a massive German attack on a narrow stretch of land that had historic sentiment for the French.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Battle_of_Verdun -
Battle of the Somme
For many months the French took severe loses at Verdun and to relieve they decided to attack the Germans to the north of Verdun. This resulted in the Germans to move some of their men away from the Verdun battlefield. The battle started with a week long of bombardment at the German lines. 1,738,000 shells were fired at the Germans. By the end of the Battle of Somme the Germans lost nearly 500,00 soldiers. -
Fourteen Points
Woodrow Wilson wanted the war to bring out lasting peach for the world. He gathered a number of advisors and had them put together a plan for peace. The Fourteen Points was an outline of strategy to end the war. It helped bring the Germans to peace talks at the end of the war.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/fourteen_points.php -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
In 1918, The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk brought the end of Russia's participation. It was Between the new Bolshevik government of Soviet Russia and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire. was signed at Brest Litovsk, after two months of negotiations. The treaty was forced on the Bolshevik government by the threat of further advances by German and Australian forces. -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles resulted in areas of land being taken from Germany. It also blamed Germany for the war. which made them accountable for paying respiration's of 33 billion dollars to the allies. The incoming government had no choice but to sign the treaty.
http://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/ASLevel_History/week4_versailles.htm
