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Bismark unifies Germany
1864-1871
Otto von Bismark used war freely to unify Germany. After 1871, he considered it a "satisfied power".
This is significant because it relates to militarism; Bismark was building a stronger army.
(pictured: Germany's flag) -
Dual Alliance is formed
Bismark formed the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
This was the beginning of the network of enemies in Europe, and intoduced alliance system. The alliance system was a very important part of the war.
Alliance system - agreements or promises to defend and help another country.
(pictured: map of the alliances) -
Triple Alliance is formed
Italy joined the Dual Alliance three years later and formed the Triple Alliance.
This was the first part of the two sides in Europe, and agian showed the alliance system.
Triple Alliance - an alliance system between Germany, Austria Hungary and Italy
(pictured: the alliance systems including the countries who join later) -
Germany's treaty with Russia is no more
In 1881 Bismark signed a treaty with Russia. When Bismark was forced to resign, Kaiser Wilhelm II took over and let the treaty lapse.
This is significant because Russia formed a military alliance with France because of the lapse in the treaty, which meant if Germany went to war with either country, they would have to defend both their Western and Eastern border.
(pictured: Germany and Russia signing the treaty) -
Russia signs military treaty with France
When Germany let their treaty with Russia lapse, Russia formed a defensive military alliance with France.
This shows an alliance system between Russia and France, and is the beginnings of the Triple Entente.
(pictured: the flags of France and Russia) -
The Rise of Nationalism
At the beginng of the 1900s, nationalism began to serve as the unifying forces within countries.
This is significant because many strong armies were built on nationalism, and would not have survived without the idea.
Nationalism - having pride in your country and being willing to defend it
(pictured: a representation of some countries' nationalism) -
Rise of Militarism
Imperialism created tension between European countries. Also, by 1914, all the Great Powers had large standing armies except Great Britain.
This is significant because imperialism and militarism was introduced, and would have a big effect on the rest of the World War.
Imperialism - the seizure of a country by a stronger country
Militarism - building up of armed forces, getting ready for war
(pictured: a German army) -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1905 and 1911, Germany and France nearly fought over who would control Morocco in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Germany backed down.
It is significant because it shows how imperialism can cause large conflicts between power-seekign countries.
(pictured: a map of Morocco) -
Triple Entente is formed
Britain extended their entente with France to Russia. It didn't ensure that Britain would fight with these two countries, but it insured that Britain wouldn't fight against them.
This is significant because now there were two main rivalries in Europe: the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente.
Triple Entente - an alliance system between Great Britain, Russia and France
(pictured: the Triple Entente flag) -
Austria annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, so Serbian leaders in these provinces were angered. It created tension between Serbia and Austria.
This is significant because if there were not any military alliances between other countries, the World War could have been just been a small war between the two countries.
(pictured: the countires of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia) -
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were shot while riding through the streets of Bosnia in an open car. Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serbian member of the Black hand, shot them. This is significant because Gavrillo and the Archduke's meeting was purely by chance. The car had escaped all the other means of assassination. The driver took a wrong turn and went down the road that Gavrillo was on, so Gavrillo shot him. If the driver had taken the right road, World War I could've been prevented. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
Austria gave Serbia several ultimatums, and Serbia agreed to most. Austria wouldn't negotiate and declared war.
This is significant because now both alliance systems would be involved, instead of just a small war between countries.
(pictured: a representation of the war's chain reaction) -
Germany declares war on Russia
In response to Russia's joining Serbia in the war against Austria, Germany wanted to defend Austria. Germany declared war on Russia, and then two days later on France. Russia looked to France for help, for they were military allies.
This succession of wars again showed the alliance systems. The lighting of the "powderkeg" sent off a chain reaction that led to the World War.
(pictured: a powderkeg) -
Great Britain declares war on Germany
Great Britain declared war on Germany, because Germany was at war with Great Britain's allies.
This again shows how a chain reaction affected the alliance systems.
(pictured: a cannon being fired during WWI)
