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Creation of the Dual Alliance
The Dual Alliance treaty, signed by Germany and Austria-Hungary, promised aid to each other in the event of an attack by Russia.
This is significant because it made sure that Germany and Austria-Hungary would help each other in the event of an attack from Russia which left Russia no chouce but to not attack. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Three years after Germany and Austria-Hungary created the Dual Alliance, Italy joined and it became the Triple Alliance.
This is significant because it took another ally away from France which left them at a huge disposition. -
Kaiser Wilhelm II, resignation of Bismarck, lapse of treaty with Russia.
In 1890, Germany's foregn policy changed dramatically. That year Kaiser Wilhelm II frced Bismarck to resign because he didn't want to share his power. Then, Wilhelm let his treaty with Russia lapse.
This is significant because war with either country would lead to a two front war on both the eastern and western borders for Germany making it hard for germany to defend themselves. -
Alliance Between Russia and France
In response to the lapse in the treaty with Germany, Russia formed a defensive military allliance with France.
This is significant because war with either country would lead to a two front war on both the eastern and western borders for Germany making it hard for germany to defend themselves. -
Conflicts Between Germany and France Over Morocco
In 1905 and again in 1911, Germany and France nearly fought over who would controll Morocco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France so Germany backed down.
This is significant because it is an example of how imperialism, extending a country's power and influence, led to WWI because countries were taking over other weaker countries which causesd conflicts between European countries. -
Formation of The Triple Entente
Alarmed at the fact that Germany was making a navy, Great Britain formed an entente, or alliance, with France. In 1907, Britain made another entente, this time with both France and Russia.
This is significant because it did not bind Britain to fight with France and Russia. However, it did almost certainly ensure that Britain would not fight against them which is one less enemy that they need to worry about.. -
Austrian Annexing Bosnia and Herzegovania
In 1908, austria took over Bosnia and Herzegovania. Serbian leaders who had sought to rule the provinces were outraged. Over time tensions grew and Serbs vowed to take Bosnia and Herzegovania away form Austria so in responce, Austria-Hungary vowed to crush any effort to undermine its authority in the Balkans.
This is significant because it is an example of how imperialism, extending a country's power and influence, led to WWI because countries were taking over other weaker countries which causes -
Rise of Militarism
By 1914, all the Great Powers except Britain, who had an impecable navy, had large standing armies. In addition, military experts stressed the importance of being able to quickly mobilize, or organize and move troops in case of a war. Generals in each country developed highly detailed plans for such a mobilization which made all the Great Powers ready for war at any moment in time -
Assanation of Archduke Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, the couple paid a state visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. It would be their last. The royal pair was shot at point-blank range as they rode through the streets of Sarajevo in an open car. The killer was Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serbian and mem- ber of the Black Hand. The Black Hand was a secret society committed to ridding Bosnia of Austrian rule.
This is significant because it started an huge war between Austria ans Serbia and all of their allies. -
The First Day of World War I
In response to Austria’s declaration of war, Russia, Serbia’s ally, began moving its army toward the Russian-Austrian border. Expecting Germany to join Austria, Russia also mobilized along the German border. To Germany, Russia’s mobilization amounted to a declaration of war. On August 1, the German government declared war on Russia. Russia looked to its ally France for help But Germany declared war on France too.
This is significant because it is the start of WWI
