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Germany wins the Franco-Prussian War
They take the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine from France. The French were displeased with the terms of the German victory in the Franco-Prussian war. The French wanted their territory back, and resolved to reclaim it in future. -
Period: to
German Unification to WWI
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Germany, Austria and Hungary sign the Triple Alliance
The signing of the Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy (for protection from Russia and other great powers). -
The Second International meets in Paris
Second International ended 1916. Dedicated to non-violent reform of capitalist society. Wished to achieve their goals through parliamentary reform - all members took pains to avoid war at any cost, but the unforeseen assassination of a French member of the committee sent the public into a frenzy and the Second International lost their real power and could not prevent World War 1’s beginning. -
Spanish-American War
Tariff of 1894 restricted sugar imports to the United States hurt the economy of Cuba. A US ship’s (Maine) destruction, blamed on a Spanish mine, led to the declaration of the war. Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines became American protectorates, but were not liberated. This contention potentially caused conflict. Countries that became independent and other countries that lost outposts would have a reason for conflict in future years. -
Boer settlers rebel against British rule in South Africa
The second Boer War, a conflict in South Africa between Britain and the Africans. Caused many conflicts between Britain and the Africans. The war led to World War I because many of the countries that were involved were the same in World War 1. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain, etc. were allied against the Dutch and the Germans in the Boer War, and the conflict could have continued. -
Boxer Rebellion against foreign influence in China
Rebellion by the Chinese boxers against the foreign influence in China. Boxers had lost their livelihood from this influence, and were a secret society. After a 55 day siege, 20,000 British troops defeated the boxers and imposed harsh penalties. -
President McKinley (USA) assassinated
McKinley was assassinated by an anarchist. -
British Dreadnought battleship is launched; sparks arms race with Germany
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Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia) is created
Triple Entente between Germany, France, Britain. Three world powers in a single alliance and a supplementary agreement in support of other nations (US, Japan, Spain). Italy joined in 1915. This caused conflict because the Triple Entente would oppose the central powers during World War 1. -
Commission uncovers abuses and maltreatment of tribespeople in the Belgian Congo
King Leopold established his rule - a commission discovered that he was responsible for the deaths of over 10,000,000 Africans, their malnourishment. This event sparked conflict because the USA, Britain and France had interests in the European region. -
Japan annexes Korea
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Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne is assassinated in Sarajevo
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Austria bombards Belgrade with WWI's opening shots
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All major European powers at war
