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Imperialism
In the 19th century, European countries such as Great Britian, France, The Ottoman Empire, and Russia were major imperial powers world wide. They held much power and were constantly looking for and willing to fight for more land and resources to grow their empire. This greed caused much tension and rivalry among the countries, becoming a boost for the upcoming war. -
The Triple Alliance
The Triple Alliance, a military alliance, formed by Germany, Austria-Hungray, and Italy is formed. The countries promised to give each other military support in times of need, along with being prepared for whatever was ahead of them. -
The Triple Entente
As a reaction to the Triple Alliance being formed, the Russian Empire, France, and Great Britiain formed their own military alliance called the Triple Entente completed with all three countries in 1907. -
Militarism
From 1910 to 1914, the major countries of Europe slowly began building their militaries. Germany, the most militaristc country, began expanding its empire by nearly 73%. France by 10%, Britian by 13%, and Russia by 39%. -
Extreme Nationalism
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-hungarian empire, and his wife Sophie were both assassinated by an extreme Serbian nationalist. Serbia had annexed provinces from Bosnia-Herzegovina, angering many citizens of Serbia. Leading to the extreme patriotic act of assasisnating the archduke. This major event lead to a huge domino effect, which many believed was the cause of the beginning of World War 1. -
Germany's "Blank Check" to Austra-Hungary
Kaiser Whilhem II promises that Germany will support Austria-Hungary through whatever they go through or whatver happens to them after they had just faced the tragic assassination of the Archduke of Franz Ferdinand. -
The Beginning of World War I
On July 28, 1914, the Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on Serbia. Thus, the beginning of a long and devastating war. On August 1st, Germany declares war on Russia and on August 4th Britain declares war on Germany. In this war, 32 countries around the world will soon join along. -
Rise of Hitler
During this time, a young soldier is fighting in the war named Adolf Hitler. He joined the war to find purpose, but ended up becoming very invested. Soon he would go through many courses such as injury, prison, Mein Kampf, the Nazis, and eventually become the dictator of Germany. In the next world war, Hitler will have a very large impact in the cause and effect of the war. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
A British ship, called the Lusitania, was carrying more than a hundred tons of war munitions and was just off the coast of Ireland, when a German torpedo struck the ship. The ship was damaged so badly that hardly any passengers had time to get save themselves. In 18 minutes, 1,119 passengers were killed. The sinking of the ship enraged Americans and it planted a large seed into America's entry to the war. -
Germany's Resumption of Submarine Warfare
After the sinking of the Lusitania, Germany was put on strict restrictions from using U-Boat warfare. Clearly, Germany would not follow this restriction as it had an important part in their warfare. On January 31, 1917, Bethmann Hollweg made the announcement that subamarine warfare would continue the very next day despite any restrictions. -
The Zimmerman Telegraph
On this day, President Woodrow Wilson would learn about a telegraph that had been sent to Mexico from Germany in the prior month. The telegraph proposed a German-Mexican alliance for the United States-Germany case that was occuring. The angered country and president declared and joined the war 4 days later. -
THe U.S, Entry into War
On this day, President Woodrow Wilson goes before congress to request a declaration of war on Germany. Two days later, the US senate voted in support of the declaration. The U.S. finally declared war on Germany on December 7, 1917. -
The End and Effects of World War 1
The end of World War 1 left a world wide devastation on many countries. It killed more than 14 million soldiers and civilians and left more than 7 million men disabled. And left a direct cost of $186 billion. Countries' economies were left disrupted and the countries were left to rebuild themselves. A lasting tension between countries lead to World War II along with all the consequences it came with. -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty between 5 nations. It was in attempt to recover from the war and prevent another one from happening. The treaty, however, targeted and humilated Germany. Germany was severely punished. Their land was taken away, they had to pay large reparations which lead them to a deep depression, their military was dramatically downsized and was only supposed ot be used for defensive purposes, and Germany has to admit that the war was their fault. -
The Dawes Plan
After it was evident that Germany would not be capable of paying its large war reparations, they were offered a proposal to reduce the payment reparations and increase the deadline. Throughout the years, the U.S. would lend money to Germany to help pay their reparations to other countries. In return those countries would use that money to service their war debts to the United States. -
The Great Depression
After World War 1, many countries were left with a destroyed economy. America took a very large hit when the stock market crashed in 1929. America was greatly and deeply effected by this economic slump. America suffers through this hardship, along with Germany taking a large hit as well. -
The Young Plan
As an addition to the Dawes Plan, the Young Plan was the final decision for the final payment that Germany had to pay for the reparations. It was decided that Germany only had to pay one-third of the final sum that was required. The other amount of that money was to only be paid if Germany could afford it without causing damage to their economy. This plan was presented in June 1929 and finalized in January 1930.
