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The Dual Alliance is formed
In 1879 the Dual Alliance was formed by Otto Von Bismarck. The Dual Alliance was a peace treaty signed by both Austria-Hungary and Germany saying that the two countries would become allies. The Dual Alliance was significant because it assured that Germany's enemy, France was not a threat to Germany without their allies and that Austria-Hungary's enemy, Russia did not pose a threat to Austria-Hungary without their allies. -
Rise Of Militarism
In around 1880, militarism, the policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war started to become more popular throughout Europe. The rise of militarism was a significant event because having a large and strong standing army made people feel more powerful and it scared other nations. It also led to nationalism, having pride
in your country and being willing to defend it, in Europe. -
The Triple Alliance is Formed
In 1882, Bismarck formed another alliance with Italy. This alliance was known as the Triple Alliance because three nations were involved in the treaty, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. This formed yet another alliance system, agreements or promises to defend and help another country. The Triple Alliance, a treaty that joined Italy with Germany and Austria-Hungary, was significant because Germany took another possible ally from the French, their biggest threat. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck,
In 1890, a man named Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had become the ruler of Germany two years earlier, forced Bismarck to resign because he did not wish to share power with anyone. Wilhelm then allowed the treaty that Germany and Russia had to lapse. This event was significant because many of the citizens were angry with him and because of the fact that he let the treaty with Russia lapse, their enemies, France, became allies with Russia. -
Alliance of Russia and France
In 1892 and again in 1894, Russia responded to Wilhelm's lapse of the treaty by forming a defensive military alliance with France. This event is significant because France was Germany's enemy and they now posed a threat to Germany because Russia joined with them, in order to try to defeat the Germans. -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1905 and again in 1911, Germany and France argued over who was to control. Germany later decided to back down because most of Europe supported France. This event is significant because it shows how imperialism, expanding an empire by taking over weaker countries, led to fierce disagreements and conflict between European countries. -
The Triple Entente was formed
In 1907, France formed yet another entente. This entente was called the Triple Entente because it involved three nations, France, Russia, and Great Britain. This entente did bind the British to fight with Russia and France, but it ensured that they would not fight against them. The Triple Entente, a treaty that joined Britain with Russia and France, was significant because it gave France another ally and it helped them pose even more of a threat to Germany than before. -
Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 1908, Austria annexed, or took over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were two Balkan areas with large Slavic populations. This event was significant because it increased tensions between Austria and Serbians, which eventually led to an attepted revolt by the Serbians. -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, the couple paid a state visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. The royal pair was shot at point-blank range as
they rode through the streets in an open car. This event was significant because it was a direct cause of World War I and if one had to choose, it would be the single event that started the war. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
On July 28, 1914, Austria responded to the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by declaring war on Serbia. The declaration of war by Austria on Serbia was significant because it sparked war throughout Europe and caused World War 1 to occurr. -
Germany declares war on Russia and then France
As a result of Austrias declaration of war on Serbia, Serbia's ally, Russia moved toward the Russian-Austrian border expecting that the Germans would join Austria. Instead, Germany saw the movement of Russia as a threat and they declared war on Russia and later Russia's ally, France. This event is significant because it creates more tension in Europe and it causes other countries in Europe to declare and prepare for war. -
Britain declares war on Germany
Soon after Germany declared war on Russia and France, Great Britain declares war on Germany because they feel that it is their duty to fight along side their allies, Russia and France. This is the last declaration of war by any European country and World War 1 has finally begun. This event also causes most of Europe to be locked in battle.
