-
Creation of the Dual Alliance
During the 1780's, the chancellor of Prussia (a city in Germany) Otto Von Bismark formed the dual alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary. He theorized that keeping France (Germany's biggest threat at the time) without allies would make them less dangerous to Germany. This event is significant because together, Germany and Austria-Hungary were very powerful and this added to the tension between European countries. Also, Germany was now safe from France. Picture: Otto Von Bismark -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Three years after the dual alliance was made, Italy joined Germany and Austria-Hungary, forming the Triple Alliance (the alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). This is significant becasue it gave Germany even more protection from France and made the three countries a threat to the rest of Europe. Picture: Triple Alliance Map -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck, lapse of treaty with Russia.
In 1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II who had already been the ruler of Germany for two years, forced Bismark to resign. In the same year, Wilhelm II let the treaty between Russia and Germany lapse, meaning there was no longer an alliance between Russia and Germany. This is significant because Germany now had much less protection from France. It also shows how nationalism (passion or loyalty towards one country) can sometimes lead to cockiness which can lead to bad desicion making. Picture: Wilhelm II -
Alliance of Russia and France
As a result of the lapse of the treaty between Russian and Germany, in 1892 and 1894 Russia decided to make a defensive military alliance with France. This is significant because it shows how countries can easily feel threatened if an alliance is broken or refused. The new alliance between Russia and France also put Germany under a great deal of pressure, seeing as Russia and France sit on either side of Germany. Picture: Handshake (representing the alliance between the countries) -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1905 and again in 1911, Germany and France 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 how imperialsm (expanding an empire by taking over weaker countries) led to intense competition and conflict between Europeaan countries. Picture: Tug of War (representing the competition between countries) -
Creation of the Triple Entente
When Wilhelm II decided to upgrade Germany's Navy to match the British fleet, Britian was threatend. As a result, Britain made an entante with France and Russia in 1907. This formed the Triple Entente (the informal alliance between Great Britain, France and Russia). This is significant because Europe was now split by the Alliance System (the system of alliances in Europe: the Triple Alliance vs. the Triple Entente). Picture: Alliance System Map -
Annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria
In order to ensure that Serbia would not gain power, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzengovina in 1908. These two Balkan areas had large Slavic populations, and Serbian leaders were outraged. The Balkans now had the nickname "the Powder Keg" because it was the center of all the tension in Europe. This is significant because as a result of the annexation, tension was created between Serbia and Austria-Hungary. This was dangerous at such a delicate time. Picture: Annexation Cartoon -
Rise of Militarism
In the early 1900's, one of the main similarities between the great European powers was the belief in militarism (the policy of feeling an importance for military power, and having an army ready for war at all times). This belief was so universal that by 1914 every great European power except Britain had a large, powerful army. This is significant because it shows how defensive each country in Europe was at the time, and allowed the war in Europe to be much more violent. Picture: WWI Soldiers -
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, the Archduke of Austria-Hungary and his wife were shot dead by a Serbian extremist as they rode through Sarajevo (the capital of Bosnia). This is significant because it is the event that finally broke the tension between all the countries in Europe. It was the turning point in the events leading to World War One and is known as "the Spark that Lit the Powder Keg", because it broke the tension in the Balkans (the Powder Keg). Picture: Drawing of Assassination -
Austria declares war on Serbia, First declaration of war
As a result of the assasination, Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with many harsh demands and when Serbia tried to negotiate, Austria Hungary declared war on them. This declaration happened on July 28, 1914 and was the official start of World War One. This is significant because it shows how the Alliance System made Europe so fragile, and that a small event such as an assassination was able to spark a world war. Picture: Dynamite (representing Europe exploding into war) -
Germany Delcares War on Russia and France
After Austria declared war on Serbia, Russia moved into the Austrian borders to protect their Serbian Allies. Russia also set up troops near Germany, because they expected Germany to try and help their Austrian allies. This threatened Germany and so on August 1, 1914 they declared war on Russia, and on their ally France two days later. This is significant because it really shows why the assassination is called the spark, and how everything in Europe began to erupt. Picture: Russian Soldiers -
Britain declares war on Germany
Germany had declared war on two of thier allies, and as a result on August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. This is significant because now all the European powers were at war with one another, and World War One had officially begun. Picture: Artwork representing all of the European powers locked into war
