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Creation of the Dual Alliance
Germany and Austria-Hungary formed an alliance. This was because the chancellor of Prussia, Otto von Bismarck, wanted to isolate France after their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.
This was significant because an alliance had formed and that means that will defend each other in war.
(Pictured- Germany and Austria-Hungary) -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Italy joined Germany and Austria-Hungary and formed the Triple Alliance. The alliance grew stronger.
This is significant because Bismark could then start to isolate France like he had been wanting to.
Triple alliance- and alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.
(Pictured- the triple alliance)
(Pictured- Italy, Germany and Austria-Hungary) -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck, lapse of treaty with Russia
Kaiser Wilhelm II forces Bismark to resign because he did not want to share power with anyone. He wanted to show the world how strong Germany and it's army had become. He let the treaty between Russia and Germany lapse.
This is significant because Russia made a defensive military alliance with France.
(Pictured- Kaiser Wilhelm II) -
Alliance of Russia and France
Russia formed a defensive military alliance with France.This was significant because if Germany went to war with either Russia or France, they would be an enemy of both.Alliance System -agreements or promises to defend or help another country.(Pictured- France and Russia flags) -
Conflicts over Morocco
1905 and 1911, Germany and France nearly fought over who would control in Morocco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Germany backed down.
This is significant because this relates to Imperialism. Who countries both wanted control of this territory so they could become the stronger country. Each country had a strong sense of nationalism. This led to even more competition in Europe.
Nationalism- having pride in your country, willing to defend it
(Pictured-Morocco) -
Creation of the Triple Entente
Britain formed an entente with Russia and France.
This is significant because it ensured that Britain would not be fighting against France or Russia.
Triple Entente- entente formed between Great Britain, France and Russia.
(Pictured- Great Britain, France and Russia) -
Austria annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria took over Bosnia and Herzegovina. These areas had large slavic populations. This angred the Serbian rulers who wanted to rule the land.This is significant because tension grew between Austria and Serbia. Austria-Hungary said that they would crush any Serbian effort to take control of the Balkins.(Pictured - Bosnia and Herzegovina) -
Rise of militarism
By 1914, all great powers in Europe (except Britian) had standing armies. This was because the countries believed that to be a truley great power they needed a strong military power.
This was significant because when the war started they all had armies to fight.
Militarism-The policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war
(Pictured- Military) -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife traveled to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. They both were shot by Gavrilo Princip, a 19 year old Serbian. He was part of a secret society called the Black Hand who was trying to rid Bosnia of Austrian rule.
This was significant because Austria used this as in excuse to punish Serbia. Serbia had to follow Austria's demands. This was the "spark" that started the war.
Imperialism- empire building, competition for colonies
(Pictured- assisinaition of Archduke) -
Austria declares war on Serbia
Even though Serbia had agreed to most of Austria's demands Austria did not want to negotiate. Austria had already decided on war.
This is significant because it was the first war. This led to the other countries within the alliance system to start declaring war on each other.
(Pictured- the alliance system) -
Germany declares war on Russia and France
Russia started to move towards the Austrian border and the German border. Germany then declared war on Russia. Because France was an ally of Russia, two days later Germany declared war on France.
This is significant because this led to more wars within the countries.
(Pictured-the countries within the alliance system) -
Britain declares was on Germany
Because of Germany declaring war on France and Russia, Great Britain declared war on Germany.
This is significant because now most of Europe was involved in the war.
(Pictured- Great Britain and Germany Flags)
