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The Triple Alliance is Formed
The Triple Alliance was an alliance made in secrete between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Each member promised mutual support in the event of an attack by any other great power. The treaty provided that Germany and Austria-Hungary were to assist Italy if it was attacked by France. In turn, Italy would assist Germany if attacked by France. But in the event that of a war between Austria-Hungary and Russia, Italy would remain neutral. -
Pan-Slavic Nationalism Grows
Pan-Slavism is the belief that the Slavic people of eastern Europe should have their own nation. Pan-Slavism was particularly opposed to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and its control and influence over the region. -
The Formation of the Triple Entente
The Triple Entente was an agreement between, the Russian Empire, the France, and the United Kingdom. The alliance was formed as a counterweight to the Triple Alliance. -
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his Wife
Sarajevo, Bosnia, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, was shot to death, along with his wife, by Serbian nationalists; starting the spark that would lead to World War I -
Germany Gives Austria-Hungary Its Full Support
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledges his country's full support for whatever action Austria-Hungary chooses to take against Serbia. -
World War I Begins
Austria-Hungary declares war against Serbia, Germany joins to support Austria-Hungary. Russia supports Serbia, and when Germany and Austria-Hungary declare war against Russia, and within a week, France and Great Britain join in to support Russia. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
A German U-boat torpedoed and sank the RMS Lusitania, a British ship en route from New York to Liverpool, England. Of the 1,900 on board, 1,100 died, including more than 120 Americans. The sinking of the Lusitania played a significant role in turning American public opinion against Germany. -
Germany Resumes Unrectricted Submarine Warfare
In response to the United States, Germany had suspended their policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. They now returned to this policy in spite of the United States warning. -
The Zimmermann Telegram
In January, British Cryptographers deciphered a telegram form the German Foreign Minister to the German Minister in Mexico, offering Mexico land if they join the war against the United States. The British gave the deciphered telegram to the Woodrow Wilson on February 24. -
US Enters World War I
The US has officially entered World War I. They sent a nearly infinite supply of troops to the French trenches that countered the Germans and demoralized them. The US also sent food, fuel, and other supplies to the war effort. -
World War I Ends
The Great War has ended but the total casualties are massive. Russia total casualties were 9.15 million, France was 6.1 million, Great Britain lost 3.1 million, the US lost 350,000, Germany lost 7.1 million, and Austria-Hungary lost 7 million. Nine new nations were formed though. Finland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia were formed at the end of World War I. -
Signing of the Treaty of Versailles
Because of the Treaty, Germany was forced to cede territory to other countries, an area next to France was demilitarized, all of their colonies were taken away, their army was reduced, and they were forced to pay reparations to the Allies and other financial obligations. -
The Dawes Plan
Under the Dawes Plan, Germany's annual reparation payments would be reduced, they would increase over time as their economy improved. A new German currency, the Reichsmark, would also be adopted. -
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The Great Depression
The Great Depression began soon after the stock market crashed in the US. Wall Street went into a panic and wiped out millions of investors. Consumer spending and investment dropped, causing steep declines in industrial output which led to rising levels of unemployment and over half of the banks failing. -
The Young Plan Goes into Effect
The Young Plan reduced the amount due from Germany to 121,000,000,000 Reichsmarks in 59 annuities, it set up the Bank of International Settlements to handle the transfer of funds, and the plan ended foreign controls on the German economy. -
Hitler's Rise to Power
The Hitler and the Nazi quickly gained support in Germany for a number of reasons. Hitler was a great speaker, the depression made people angry at the Weimar Republic, Nazi propaganda campaign was very effective, and people were angry about the Treaty of Versailles and Hitler promised to put an end to it. Hitler and the Nazi party had so much support that he quickly became Chancellor and began work on becoming an absolute ruler.
