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Militarism
After a 30 year arms race, most of the European powers doubled their militaries. This resulted in high tensions between the country's. -
Pre World War 1 Alliances
Beginning with Germany and Austria making an alliance in 1879, then in 1882 they added Italy becoming the Triple Alliance. Just befor the war began Germany got into an alliance with the Ottoman Empire in 1914. Russia and France eventually formed an alliance in 1894. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
On June, 28, 1914 the archduke of Austria was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. This was one of the last events leading up to World War 1. -
Germany's black check
Germany gives Austria a blank check signifying unconditional support from Germany to whatever Austria decides to do. -
World at War
One month after the assassination of the archduke, Austria declared war on Serbia. This eventually led to Germany declaring war on France, and Belgium declaring war on Germany which lead Great Britain to declare war on Germany. -
SInking of the Lusitania
While on the way to Liverpool, the Lusitania was sunk by a u-boat patrolling the area. Because of this, the majority of the American people began to pressure a war with Germany. -
the Zimmerman telegram
On January 19 1917 British intelligence intercepted an encrypted telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador in Mexico City promising the return of Mexican territory lost to the United States following the Mexican-American War in return for their assistance against the allies. -
Geman unrestricted submarine warfair
Germany re declares the waters around the British isles an active war zone. For the rest of the war any boats trying to go the Britain were hunted and sunk by German u-boats. -
United States joins the war
After unrestricted submarine warfare, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the Zimmerman telegram the U.S. declared war on the German/Austrian alliance. Because of the U.S. involvement in the war the Allies had more troops and more supplies compared to Germany and Austria. -
The Treaty of Versailles
In wanting to end the war the leaders of the allied nations met to create a treaty that both held Germany solely responsible for the war as well as prevent another one. This however did not sit well with the German people, and actually was one of the sparks for World War 2. -
Rise of Hitler
For 1919 to 1920 Adolf Hitler slowly rises through the rakes of the German Workmen's Party by speaking and spreading the ideas of the party. In 1920 the party reorganises in to the natzi party and gains momentom. by late 1921 Hitler became the chairman of the Natzi Party and under new leadership the party grows to around 40,000 germans. In 1933 Hitler became chancellor of Germany. Later that year the president of Germany dies and Hitler is Appointed leader.
