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Creation of the Dual Alliance
Bismarck believed that France wanted revenge for its defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Bismarck wanted to isolate France. They said that if France had no allies, they would not pose as a threat to Bismarck. In 1879, Bismarck formed the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria- Hungary. This is significant because after this, Bismarck makes a treaty with Russia, taking another ally away from France. The Alliance System was designed by Bismarck to take away german dominance. -
Nationalism
Nationalism is one of the main causes of WWI. Nationalism is the sense that a country is superior to all others. Many countries in Europe were very nationalist, which caused competition. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Three years after the Dual Alliance was made, Italy joined forces with Germany and Austria-Hungary. This event is significant because the Triple Alliance w=used to be the Dual Alliance before Italy joined. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck, lapse of treaty with Russia.
Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had been the ruler of Germany for two years, forced Bismarck to resign because he didn't want to share power. He was intent on showing the rest of the world how powerful Germany had become. Kaiser Wilhelm let the treaty with Russia lapse in 1890. This is significant because Germany would then be forced to fight a war on both its eastern and western borders. -
Alliance of Russia and France
Russia responded to Germany's treaty lapse by forming a military alliance with France. War with either Russia or France would make Germany the enemy of both. Germany would then be forced to fight a two-front war, or a war on both its eastern and western borders. This is significant because this started the Rise of Militarism. -
Morocco Event
In 1905 and again in 1911, Germany and France nearly fought over who would control Morocco in Northern Africa. Most of England supported France, so Germany backed down. This event is significant because it shows how imperialism of different countries led to conflict in Europe. Imperialism is a policy of extending a country's power and influence through discussion or force. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
In 1907, Britain formed an alliance with France and Russia because they were afraid that the German navy would outnumber theirs. This was called the Triple Entente. This event is significant because it's creation almost ensured that Britain would not fight against France and Russia. -
Austria annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1908, which led to rising tension between Austria and the Serbian rulers of these provinces. The Serbs continually vowed to take Bosnia and Herzegovina away from Austria, but Austria also vowed that they would crush the Serbian's attempts. This event is significant because tension between Austria and the Serbian leaders of Bsnia and Herzegovina, leading to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. -
Rise of Militarism
Militarism is the policy of having a well-prepared army that is always ready for war. By 1914, all of Europe's countries had good armies except for Britain. The Europeans believed that in order to be a great nation, they had to have the best armies. This is significant because since the armies have such well-trained armies, the war will last longer. -
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
While on their way to the capital of Bosnia, Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were shot by a Serbian man who belonged to an orginization dedicated to keeping Austrian rulers out of Bosnia. This event is significant because following this event, Austria declared war on Serbia. -
The First Declarations of War
On July 28th, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia because of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. This is significant because it leads to all the other declarations of war. -
Britain Declares War on Germany
Soon after Germany declared war on Russia and France, Great Britain declared war on Germany, as Britain was an ally of both countries. This event is significant because Germany was also declaring war on both Russia and France, making it locked in battle. -
Germany Declares War on Russia and France
To the Germans, Russia's army mobilizing along the border was equivalent to a declaration of war. Two days later, they declared war on France. This is significant because Germany and Austria-Hungary were the Central Powers, and soldiers thought that the war would be a short one.
