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Franco-Prussian War
In the Franco-Prussian war, France lost Alsace- Lorraine, These areas are rich coal fields that are highly desirable. France was not content with this, and would attempt to gain them back. This helps motivate France to enter the war against Germany. A key aspect of France's anger, which is an important part of World War I as a whole, is nationalilsm. Nationalism is a strong pride in one's country, which often makes some nations think they are better than others. -
Dual Alliance Created
In order to help strenghten Germany and weaken France, Germany formed the Dual Alliance with Austria- Hungary. This was done by Otto von Bismarck, Kaiser Wilhelm II's predecessor. -
Triple Alliance Formed
Italy joins Austria Hungary and Germany in the Dual Alliance to form the Triple Alliance. In the Triple Alliance, each of the three nations promised each other military support if they were entangled in a war. In particular, Italy was offered support if it was attacked by France (a military powerhouse that has never lost a war). The alliance is key to the progression of events because it will entangle all three nations in the war when it begins. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Kaiser Wilhelm II came to power in 1890, ousting Otto von Bismark. He ended Germany's treaty with Russia. Also, he began to further encourage militarism in Germany, including an agressive ship building campaign. Both of these actions made it clear that Germany was gearing up for war. -
Russia allies with France
In the early 1890's, Russia was in need of a new ally, as their treaty with Germany was ended by Kaiser Wilhelm II. They decided to ally with France, long known as the best possible partner in the war business. Russia's agreement with France virtually guaranteed that a war with Germany would develop into a two-front war, reducing Germany's likelihood of winning. Also, the military prowess of France, a nation that instills fear in all of its enemies, was on Russia's side. -
Great Britain Joins the Triple Entente
In reaction to the aggresive militarism of Germany and the German navy rapidly growing, Great Britain decides to join the Triple Entente. Now, all of the major European powers are in alliances. The powerderkeg is set! If there is a spark, all of Europe will become embroiled in a war. -
Austria-Hungary Annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, two regions with significant Slavic populations. Serbians objected to this, because many wanted a Slavic state that included Bosnia and Herzegovina. This created tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, which would erupt when the powderkeg is lit. -
European Militarism
Ine the years leading up to WW1, many European powers began to strenghten their militaries and gear up for war ( this process is known as miltarism). Most had built up large armies and developed mobilization plans, Britain and Germany in particular had a naval arms race in which each flexed their industrial muscle. When the powderkeg is lit, this militarism will help it explode, and will make the war larger and costlier. -
Archduke Ferdinand Assasinated
Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was visiting Sarajevo on a state visit. After the Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist extremist group, failed to asssasinate the Archduke while he was on his main tour of the city, Gavrilo Princip (a member of the botched attempt) shot him on the streets of Sarajevo at point blank range. After the assasination, Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia, and issued an ultimatem of demands to the Serbians. Although the Serbians attempted to meet Austria-Hungary's demands, -
Assasination Continued
Austria-Hungary refused Serbia's attempts. -
Austria-Hungary declares war!
Austria-Hungary refused to negogiate with Serbia after the Archduke's assasination, and declared war. This officially began World War I, also known as the Great War. The complex web of alliances in Europe would turn this into the one of the largest wars in European History, -
Great Britain Declares War on Germany
Germany's Schlieffen plan required the nation's army to travel through Belgium in order to avoid France's protections. However, Belgium's neutrality was guaranteed by Great Britain. Thus, Great Britain declared war on Germany, launching World War I to a higher level. -
Battle Lines Continued
Central Powers- Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria (These are not complete lists). -
Battle Lines Are Drawn
As World War I progresses, the sides changed a bit. Although Italy began with the Triple Alliance, it left for the Triple Entente instead. Also, Bulgaria and the Ottomans joined the Triple Alliance. Japan joined the Triple Entente as well. Soon, the Triple Entente came to be known as the Allied Powers, and the Triple Alliance came to be known as the Central Powers. Allied Powers- Great Britain, France, Serbia, Italy (from Triple Aliance), Russia (quits in 1917), USA (joins in 1917).
See cont.
