-
The Dual Alliance is formed
In 1879, the Dual Alliance is formed by Otto von Bismark in an attempt to isolate France because they were believed to be the strongest threat of danger during a time when Otton von Bismark was promoting peace. The Dual Alliance included Germany and Austria-Hungary. -
The Triple Alliance is Formed
Three years later, Italy joined the Dual Alliance which resulted in the Triple Alliance. -
Rise of Militarism
In case of a war, many countries strived to build a stronger military and a stronger army ,which was referred to as the rise of militarism. Militarism is a policy of keeping an army prepared for war. Stronger countries had militarism because it kept their country ready for war at any time and gave them the advantage over many other countries in this event. -
The rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the failure of German treaty with Russia
In 1890, Kaiser Willhelm II, current ruler of Germany, forced Bismark to resign because he did not wish to share any of his power with anyone else. That same year, Wilhelm let Germany's treaty with Russia fail, and Russia responded by assembling a defensive military alliance with France two years later, which was Bismark's biggest fear. This is because Germany would become enemies with both Russia and France. In an effort to be the equivelant of the British navy, Wilhelm formed an enorm -
Alliance of Russia and France
After Germany and Russia's treaty lapsed, Russia formed an alliance with France. This alliance was feared by Bismark, former ruler of Germany, becuause it would make Germany enemies of both strong forces, Russia and France. Germany responded to this by establishing an enormous shipbuilding project that would make their navy as stron as the British navy. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
Because of German attempts to equal the power of the British navy, Great Britain formed an alliance with France. And in 1907, Britain made another alliance with both France and Russia which formed the Triple Entente. The Triple Entente, or the alliance between Russia, France, and Great Britain did not ensure that Britain would fight alongside Russia and France, but it did ensure that they would not be fighting against them. -
The Annexation of Bosnia Herzegovina
In 1908, Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, two Balkan areas with a Slavic population. Because Serbian leaders were intending to rule over this region, they were outraged at the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina were taken over by Astria. Tensions arose between Serbia and Austria and the Serbs still insisted that they would re-claim Bosnia Herzegovina. However, Astria claimed that they would abolish any efforts of the Serbs to take this area away from them. -
Annexation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28th, 1914, Gacrilo Princip, a Serbian member of the Black Hand gang, assasinated the Archduke of Austria-Hungary on the streets of Bosnia. Austria used this to the Serbian's disadvantage and punished the Serbians because the assasination was commited by a Serbian. -
Decleration of War by Austria, Russia, Germany, and Great Britain
At an international meeting with Serbia, Austria, and others, war was declared for the first time by Austria. Because Austria was outraged with the assasination of the Archduke, so they declared war with Serbia on July 28th, 1914.
