List of First World Causes Timeline - by Jenny Lee & Joshua Kim World History B(4)

Egypt and Fashoda

Sep 18, 1898

Both the French and the British wanted to establish a railroad system to connect their countries and therefore, continue imperialism. The French wanted to conquer the land without antagonizing the British so they landed on Egypt under Jean-Baptiste Marchand but British soldiers had been already settled under Lord Kitchener’s edict. They first disapproved military embroilment; however, Britain later declares war. The French negotiates but since they weren't as powerful, they decide to retreat.

Boer War of 1899 (Second Boer War)

Oct 11, 1899

British Empire vs. Transvaal and its Orange Free State ally--After diamond was found, which caused a massive Diamond Rush, South Africa became the single biggest gold producer; however, sudden rise in economy wasn’t effectively handled by the government and handed over the management of operations to foreigners. Boers were unsatisfied with foreign control that started a quarrel against Britain. Boers used guerilla warfare, but British defeated their forces with a full scale attack.

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

Jan 30, 1902

Britain and Japan invested on China and Korea politically and economically. In order to protect one another’s investment and due to fearing Russia, they signed an alliance. This was what triggered the First World, because if one nation goes into war, the other remain will neutral unless a second power intervenes. Eventually, the countries joined the war.

Entente Cordiale

Apr 8, 1904

There was a lasting rivalry between France and Britain over North African territories that caused them to create an agreement over Egypt and Morocco. France wanted Britain’s land, Egypt, in order to be ready in case of an invasion from Germany because France had realized Germany’s steady increase in power. Britain takes Morocco and exclusive Fishery Rights from France so that their naval power gets stronger. This mutual defense alliance allowed a diplomatic understanding, causing the First World

Morocco (First Moroccan Crisis)

Mar 31, 1905

Germany is threatened by France and Britain’s rise in power so in order to weaken their bond, Germany sought to use Morocco as an independent state to increase friction between France and Britain. However, Britain supports France to make a stronger diplomatic relationship because of the Germany’s future threats. The crisis worsened German relations with the nations and lead problems to Triple Alliance.

Anglo-Russian Entente

Aug 31, 1907

Britain and Russia settled their colonial disputes and set the boundaries, in order to put an end to the rivalries (one known as the Great Game) for land at the cost of the underdeveloped regions. The Mutual Defense Alliances had resulted in the First World.

Bosnian (Bosnian Crisis)

Oct 6, 1908

The Bosnian Crisis was the outcome of the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary from Ottoman Empire's decline. The two foreign ministers concurred to agreements: Izvolsky stated that Russia wouldn't demur to a conquest and Aehrenthal promised for Austrian support. Serbia got enraged after figuring out about Russia secretly agreeing to the annexation. But Russians felt betrayed with things going wrong. Imperialism led to rivalry, which caused the First World.