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Creation of the Dual Alliance
Oto von Bismark created the dual alliance in 1879 because Austria-Hungary and Germany had a common enemy of France. In the dual alliance was Germany and Austria-Hungary. This was significant because it started the alliance system in Europe. Many countries will join in on Germany's idea of alliances and will eventually this will lead many countries joining into WW1. Definition- Alliance System: Agreements or promises to defend and help another country. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Germany and Austria-Hungary welcomed a new ally into their alliance in 1882 when Italy joined. This was their alliance system when the war started so it was important. This was significant because this was how the triple alliance was when the war started. This was strong team and they fought togther during the start of WW1. Definition-Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck, lapse of treaty with Russia.
In 1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had previously ruled Germany for two years, forced Bismark to resign. Germany wanted to be an ally with Russia but Kaiser Wilhelm let down the treaty with Russia in 1890. This showed signigicance because it showed nationalism (having pride in your country, willing to defend it) in Germany. The Germans wanted more land and power that they kicked a good leader out and created a navla fleet and created a better army. -
Alliance of Russia and France
After Wilhelm let his treaty with Russia go in 1890, Russia responded by taking military action with France. This was Bismark's fear because then when they fought they had to become enemies with both. This was significant because an alliance was forming against Germany and there was actually two sides being formed. Eventually there will be 3 countries on each side. -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1095 and again 1911 nearly fought over who would control Morocco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Germany backed down. This event is significant because it shows that imperialism, expanding an empire by taking over a weaker country, led to WW1 because it caused conflict and competition between European countries. -
Creation of the Triple Entante
This was another alliance system but this time it included England, France and Russia. They called themselves the Triple Entante and their enemies were Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. This was significant because there wes another side to fight the triple alliance. This is coming very close to the war and these countries feel more protected becuase they have eachother. Defintion-Triple Entante: France, Russia (serbia has an alliance with Russia) and England -
Austria Annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria annexed, took over, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In years follows the tensions betweek Serbia and Austria rose. The serbs wanted to take Bosnia and Herzegovina away from Austria. Austria swore to end any Serbian attack The annex of Bosnia and Herzegovina showed nationalism in the countries and how some countires were bery cocky and thought that they could take on anyone. -
Rise of Militarism
By 1914 Europe was getting ready for war! Countries were creating new weapons and perparing for war. The rise of militatism started the thought of war throughout Europe. This was Significant becuse all of the forces had come togther in alliances and as they were building new weapons and preparing for war they really were thinking about revenge and how they could go to war for the first time. Definition-Militarism: Building up armed forces, getting ready for war. -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
This was the shot heard throughout Europe. Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were on a nice ride through the street and ended up getting shot by Gavrilo Princip a Serbian member of the Black Hand. Austria wanted to get revenge on Serbia for killing their archduke and so they declared war. This was the straw that broke the camel's back and all the groups were forced to join in eventually. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
Since the killer of Archduke Ferdinand was a Serbian Austria used it as an excuse to declare war on Austria. Austria presented Serbia with an ultimatum and Serbia refused it and declared war. Europe wanted everyone to negotiate but the war had already been set into motion. This was important because it was the first time someone was declaring war. This started WW1 and it has an effect on the world even now. -
Germany declares war on Russia and then France
Once the war began troops began going to borders of allies. To Germany, Russia's troops on its border meant they wanted war too. On August 1st Germany declare war on Russia and then France two days later. This was significant because more and more people are starting to declare war just because they have a hatred for that country. It looks like Germany just wants a good fight and more power so they are just declaring war because they want to. -
England Declares War on Germany
England declares war on Germany. Germany is the one not liked by the Triple Entante and they are the real trouble makers in Europe. They will pay soon though by loosing a country. This is significant becuase England was not in a pact to fight with anyone and now they are going to fight. They were not planning to fight and Germany's cruelness ruined their pleas to stay out of the fight.
