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The Fury of Nationalism
The already existing competition between worldly powers only became more prominent as people continued showing pride in their country. This unhealthy competition caused minority groups within colonized areas to suffer economically and politically. The conquering of Alsace-Lorraine in 1871 was an event caused by nationalism. (Gradpoint). This image is taken from Weebly. It represents the idea that all smaller groups, colonized by larger countries, are forced to fight for them. -
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Complicated Alliances
Rather than thinking of the advantages of peace, they focused on possible benefits of the war. (Gradpoint). In 1882, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy agreed to become a defensive alliance known as the Triple Alliance. During the war, they became known as the Central Powers. This unintentionally created a wall cutting through Central Europe from the northern to southern tip. In 1892, France, Russia, and Britain became known as the Triple Entete. (Modern World). -
Race for Imperialism
Social Darwinism, the possible failures of American factories, and the emerging from not being the most powerful country were all factors leading to imperialism. In 1898, the US annexed Hawaii. Benefits of annexation included more sugar cane plants and lower taxes on exporting sugar overseas. (Gradpoint). Image taken from Google. It shows how Americans viewed Hawaii as a commercial advantage. -
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Fear Leads into Militarism
During the early 1900s, there was a significant increase in military control of the civilian government. After 1907, the military had influence in policymaking. This was most prominent in Germany and Russia. "Arms race" was caused by secret alliances between the countries. (Allsop). This resulted in a growth in army and naval weapons throughout European countries. (Gradpoint). Ultimately, militarism led to the belief that war was on its way. -
The Assassination That Started WWI
Angered by the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sofie in Sarajevo, Bosnia. (NY Times). This left the world in shock. In result, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and other countries formed allies in preparation for a war. (Gradpoint). This image from Getty Images pictures Franz and Sophie. The two were an unusual couple. Sophie was from a lower class than Franz. (NY Times). -
The Blank Check
On July 15, 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledged that his country would support any decision on what action Austria-Hungary wanted to take following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie. By showing their support for Austria-Hungary, tensions rose between Germany and Russia, France and Britain. This marked an important moment following up to the war. (History). The image is taken from the National Interest and shows Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. -
The Battle Begins
Now known as the Central Powers, Germany and Austria-Hungary declared war on the Allied Powers of Russia, France, and Britain. After invading Belgium, Germany was attacked by Britain and France in the Battle of the Marne. Most of the battle was fought on the Western Front. There, they used defensive weapons, resulting in a long war. (Gradpoint). Image is taken from BBC. It shows the trenches from the perspective of what it's like to be in them. -
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Germany Breaks Promises
In February 1915, Germany began using their "U-Boats" to sink Allied ships. When the US interfered, Germany promised to back off from sinking ships but went back on their pledge twice. This resulted in the US joining the war. (Gradpoint). -
Tragedy on the Waters
On May 7, 1915, Germany sunk the British ship, the Lusitania. (Gradpoint). Many died including over two hundred Americans. (History). After the incident, the US increased the number of troops and warships. (Gradpoint). The sinking of Lusitania resulted in the public opinion turning against Germany and the pressure for Wilson to enter the war increased. Image taken from New York Times shows the Lusitania sinking. -
The Zimmermann Note
German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann sent a telegram, known as the Zimmermann Note, to Mexico. It proposed that Mexico should declare war on the US if the US were to declare war on Germany. Britain got this message and gave it to the United States. (Gradpoint). When the note was published, it scared Americans into entering the war. The image is from ThoughtCo. and pictures German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann. -
US Joins the Fight
On April 6, 1917, Congress declared war on Germany. Wilson signed the Selective Service Act in 1917 to get Americans fighting in the war. The industry shifted from focusing on peace to producing more weapons. The Committee on Public Information came about. The war brought opportunity to women and minority groups. (Gradpoint). Image from EmersonKent.com shows Wilson asking Congress to declare war on April 4, 1917. -
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America during Wartime
Women, African Americans, and Mexican Americans showed that they could do any job a white man can do. This led to the Nineteenth Amendment, open enlistment into the military for African Americans and an increase in Mexican American farmers. There was also a rise in the demand for food. (Gradpoint). 57 percent of the 65 million who were mobilized during the war died. There were 37 million casualties in the war. (Statistic Brain). -
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Dawes and Young Plan
America needed money from France. But France needed money from Germany. The Dawes Plan planned for the US to pay Germany so they could get money from France. However, Owen D. Young devised a plan, known as the Young Plan, that suggested reducing the reparations by three-fourths. Germans disliked the idea because it would bring their reputation down more than it already was. (Weebly). The lasting effect of these two plans was America's reconnection with European countries. (U.S. Department). -
Peace Made in Versaille
The Treaty of Versailles was signed at the Palace of Versailles in France. It significantly punished the Germans by making them owe extreme reparations. The treaty also elaborated territorial and military changes. Although most of Wilson's "Fourteen Points" were ignored, his wish of a League of Nations came into effect. This image is taken from Wikipedia and shows the inside of the Palace of Versailles. -
Great Depression Begins
With credit available to anyone, it was easy to spend money without giving it a second thought. This new attitude, along with the uneven distribution of the nation's wealth, caused more debt within America. On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed. This led to bank failures and high unemployment rates. (Gradpoint). This image is taken from Daily Mail, and shows the struggles children endured during the Great Depression. -
Hitler Rises
After the war and Great Depression, the Weimar Republic was weak in reputation and other economical aspects. Germans were humiliated and wanted transformation within their country. This gave an opportunity for the National Socialist German Worker's Party and their leader, Adolf Hitler to rise. Hitler was an outstanding speaker and promised the country of Germany change. In 1933, he was appointed Chancellor. (Holocaust Memorial). Image taken from Britannica shows Adolf Hitler.
