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Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871
War between France and Prussia (future German Empire). Ended in humiliating defeat for France, leading to beginning of power for future Germany, and planting seed of revenge for France against Germany. -
Accession of Wilhelm II to the German Throne 1888
Wilhelm II ascends to German throne in 1888. This is significant due to his actions taken against Russia. He ends treaty with Russia, which leads to beginnings of Russia joining forces with France. This marks the beginning stages of the future Triple Entente. -
Russo-Japanese war 1904-1905
War between Japan and Russia over Korea and Manchuria resulted in devastating loss by Russia and the destruction of their Pacific and Baltic fleet. As a result of the defeat, the Russian government turned it's attention on gaining control in Europe, namely the Balkans. This incited Austria-Hungary, as they had interests in the Balkan states. -
Entente Cordiale 1907
With Germany growing in power, Britain was concerned that they were establishing themselves as a dominant force capable of taking power on the continent. Britain entered into an alliance with France in 1907, known as Entente Cordiale. Later that year Britain also entered into an alliance with Russia, who was already in an alliance with France, therefore the three nations formed what became known as the Triple Entente, which became known as the basis of the Allies during WW1. -
Bosnian Annexation Crisis 1908
Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzogovenia. This resulted in inflaming Serbia a staunch ally of the annexed nations. Russia tried to intervene, but ultimately failed, and the Serbs blamed Russia rather than see them as allies. This led to the breakdown in relations between Russia and Serbia, and brought Austria-Hungary into the mix as tensions flared among the nations. -
Moroccan Crises 1905-1911
The Moroccon Crises and Agadir crisis from 1905-1911 was provoked by Germany in effort to strain relationship between France and Britain. The move backfired and instead strengthened the bond of the Entente Cordiale, and increased British hostility towards Germany. -
Balkan Wars 1912
In 1912 Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Bulgaria formed the Balkan League. With-in months they defeated the Ottoman Empire. While splitting the spoils of war, tensions rose with Bulgaria fighting with the rest of the Balkan League. They were quickly defeated, but this led to Austria-Hungary become more upset to see Serbia gain more power. They were still adamantly opposed to a stronger Serbian state. Vienna vowed to prevent further strengthening of the Serbian state. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria 1914
While visiting Serbia, the heir to Austria's throne was assassinated along with his wife. The assassins were Serbian nationalists with terrorist ties. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia and claimed the act was supported by the Serbian government. Tensions were about to boil over. -
July Ultimatum 1914
On July 23rd, Austria-Hungary gave Serbia an ultimatum that was impossible to satisfy. It was all the nation needed to plunge itself into war. Using the assassination as the catalyst, Austria-Hungary declared war on their neighboring nation. A few days later, troops invaded Serbia thus beginning World War 1. -
Germany Declares War on Russia 1914
Due to Serbia and Austria-Hungary breaking into war, and broiled tensions that involved Russia and Germany, Germany declares war on Russia on August 1, 1914. -
Germany Declares War on France 1914
Germany declares war on France on August 3, 1914, part of the Triple Entente. German troops pour into Belgium on way to France. This riles Britain, as they demand that Germany withdraw neutral Belgium. Germany does not. -
Britain declares War on Germany 1914
With Germany ignoring demands to withdraw from Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany August 4th, 1914. -
Japan Declares War on Germany 1914
Japan declares war on Germany August 13, 1914 due to alliance with Great Britain. -
Turkey Enters War 1914
Turkey enters war on October 29, 1914 on side of Germany. They help with the naval bombardment of Russia. -
Russia Declares War on Turkey 1914
Due to Turkey helping Germany in attacks on Russia, Russia declares war on Turkey November 2, 1914. -
Britain and France Declares War on Turkey 1914
To support their ally, the third member of the Triple Entente, France and Britain declare war on Turkey November 5, 1914. -
Italy Enters the War 1915
Italy enters the war on the side of the allies on May 23, 1915. -
Romania Enters the War 1916
Romania enters the war on the side of the allies in April of 1916. They are quickly occupied by Germany and Austria-Hungary though. -
USA Declares War on Germany 1917
The US declares war against Germany on April 6, 1917 in response to German U-boats sinking US ships. -
Armistice signed 1918
In the French town of Redonthes, the treaty that finally ended the war was signed on November 11, 1918.
