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Imperialism
An example of Imperialism was Britain forcefully extending its authority over countries. Britain's ability to produce more manufactured goods made it one of the richest and powerful countries in the world, but because Britain depended heavily on trade it looked to imperialism to find new markets to sell their products. -
Nationalism
The Dual Monarchy established by Austria-Hungary is an example of nationalism. Their objective was to gain political power and control over the Balkan Peninsula. The other nationalities wanted their freedom back so the Dual Monarchy made sure to suppress them of just that. -
Militarism
An example of militarism was the Anglo-German naval race. Germany attempted to build a navy that would exceed Britain's. Germany's naval buildup unfolded systematically but Britain pressed to prevent that from happening so Britain entered an alliance with Russia and France. -
Alliances
An example of Alliances is the Dual alliance. After Russia withdrew from the Three Emperors League, which was the alliance formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Germany and Austria-Hungary formed the Dual alliance to have aid in case Russia decided to attack. -
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie
Ferdinand married Sophie Chotek even though his uncle opposed because she was a commoner and because of this heir children were declared ineligible to take on the throne. After fleeing the scene where someone attempted to assassinate the archduke, three cars turned on a different street, then a 19 year old army reject pulled out a pistol and shot both Franz and his wife Sophie. -
Germany's blank check to Austria-Hungary
The blank check was the promise Germany made to Austria-Hungary that it would give support if Serbia was to ever attack. After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand officials decided it was time to take Serbia down, but Austria-Hungary needed an official promise from Germany that if the time came they would fight together against the Serbs. -
World War 1
One of the main causes to World War 1 was the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, his death propelled the major European military powers towards war. Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbs for the attack, and since Russia supported Serbia they declared a war. France began urging Great Britain to join its alliance with Russia but it declined, but it eventually moved towards war. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The tension arising between the US and Germany caused the sinking several U.S ships heading to Britain. After this Germany announced unrestricted submarine warfare in the waters surrounding Great Britain. The Lusitania entered British waters on May 7 and was hit by a German torpedo. The ship was carrying war munitions for Britain, and the Germans used this as justification for the attack. The U.S was angered and Germany pledged to end the unrestricted submarine warfare. -
Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare
The U.S pressured Germany to pledge to ending the unrestricted sub warfare, but years later Germany returned its policy because its navy commanders believed that the U-boat was essential for their war strategy. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
When Germany broke its pledge to suspend submarine warfare the U.S severed all diplomatic relations with it. Later British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from a German Minister that offered U.S territory to Mexico in return for joining their cause. This telegram had a big impact on America and drove it to to formally declare war on Germany and its allies. -
US entry into the war and her impact on it
Germany's breaking its pledge to surrender sub warfare and offering U.S territory to mexico caused the U.S to enter the world war. The U.S broke the stalemate that went on throughout most of the war and led to the Allied victory. -
The effects of World War 1
World War 1 caused the loss of over 9 million soldiers and 5 million civilians. It dragged in about 28 countries and cost over $400 billion. The war disrupted European economies and allowed the U.S to become the leading creditor of industrial power. The war was caused because of misunderstanding and miscommunication, no one expected such a large amount of loss. -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was the signed document which officially ended World War 1. The treaty was written with the allies and with almost no participation from Germany. The french wanted to sever ties with Germany. The Germans protested the treaty, calling it betrayal and they began assassinating politicians they felt were responsible. -
Hitlers rise to power
Hitler was a powerful speaker who had a big following of desperate Germans. He promised them better lives and vengeance on those who forsaken them. After Hitler was appointed the head of German government, many Germans believed that he was their righteous leader. -
The Great Depression
The stock market crash of 1929 was one of the main causes of the Great Depression. There were long term problems that made the nation collapse and the stock market was just the last straw. Wages increases, people lost jobs, the economy was a disaster.
