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The Road to World War I
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Triple Alliance
In 1882 the Triple Alliance formed between Gemany, Austria-Huungary, and Italy. -
Eruopean Armies
Between 1890 and 1914, the European armies were doubling in size due to the conscription. This was a military draft which was a regular practice in most Western countries during this time frame. -
The Russian Army
From 1890 until the war began, Russia had the largest army with 1.3 million men. As militarism was growing, so were the armies and influence of their military leaders. -
Triple Entente
In 1907 the Triple Entente was formed between France, Great Britain, and Russia. -
Balkan Crises
From 1908-1913, the Balkan crises were taking place. This was when Russia and Austria-Hungary were fighting each other for influence of Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Albania, and Greece. -
Angry Europe
By 1914, Eruopean states were fed up with one another and wanted to get revenge. Nationalism was a large issue during this time frame as well. The Socialists anger was also a factor in the war that began in 1914. -
Serbia
By 1914, Serbia was determined to create a large, independent Slavic state in the Balkans. And, Austria-Hungary was determined to prevent the Serbs from doing this. Europeans saw danger in this situation, and the British ambassador thought they would be lucky if they could avoid war. -
Assassination in Sarajevo
The Austria-Hungary archduke Ferdinand and his wife went to visit Bosnia. A terrorist organization called the Black Hand wanted Bosnia to be free of Austria-Hungary, so they ended up shooting the archduke and his wife. -
Angry Austria
On July 23, 1914 the Austrian leaders sent an ultimatum to Serbia. They made extreme demands in it, and Serbia had no choice but to reject some of them to protect themselves. -
War Declared
On July 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia since they didn't agree to the ultimatum. Then, Czar Nicholas II ordered partial mobilization of the Russian army against Austria-Hungary. During this time frame, mobiliztion was considered an act of war. A day later they agreed to full mobilization knowing that Germany would consider this an act of war. -
Germany Declares War
On August 1, 1914, Germany declares war . They had a plan known as the Schlieffen Plan which called for a two front war against France and Russia. -
Germany Declares War Again
On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France because this was necessay based on their two front war which was established in the Schlieffen Plan. -
Great Britain Declares War
On August 4, 1914, Great Britain declared war on Germany because they violated Belgian neutrality. Britain also did not want Austria-Hungary and Germany to win the war because that could effect their position as a world power. By this date in history, all the great powers of Europe were at war with each other.
