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The Triple Alliance is Formed
- The Triple Alliance was the military alliance between Germany, Austria–Hungary, and Italy
- The alliances provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power.
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The Triple Entente is Formed
- Consisted of France, Britain, and Russia
- The alliances provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power.
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Austria-Hungary Takes Control of Bosnia
- the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary announces its annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Though weakened Russia was forced to submit, to its humiliation, its foreign office still viewed Austria-Hungary’s actions as overly aggressive and threatening.
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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is Assassinated in Sarajevo
- A man named Gavrilo Princip came out of a crowd and shot Ferdinand. Princip was a member of the Black Hand, an organization promoting Serbian national-ism.
- This was one of the starts to the first batles of WWI
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Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Video Clip1. This was the official recorded start of WWI
2. Was started because Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were killed by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo -
Germany Invades Belgium
- The term "Rape of Belgium" initially had a figurative meaning, referring to the violation of Belgian neutrality, but embellished reports of German atrocities soon gave it a literal significance.
- The Germans attacked civilians, destroying villages, cathedrals, libraries, and even hospitals.
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A German U-Boat Sinks the Lusitania
- The sinking of the Lusitania enraged Americans and hastened the United States' entrance into World War I.
- Despite Germany’s explanation, Americans became outraged with Germany because of the loss of life.
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The First Battle of the Somme Begins
- The battle consisted of an offensive by the British and French armies against the German Army.
- The opening day of the battle on 1 July 1916 saw the British Army suffer the worst one-day combat losses in its history, with nearly 60,000 casualties.
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The Zimmerman Note is Discovered
- German Foreign Minister Zimmermann sent the German Minister in Mexico an enciphered message with a proposal to be presented to the Mexican government.
- Zimmermann proposed a German-Mexican alliance, with the payoff being Mexico's recovery of the territory lost in the Mexican-American War. British intelligence intercepted and deciphered the message, and turned it over to the Americans on 24 February.
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The United States Declares War on Germany
- Started by the interception of the Zimmerman telegraph by Britain.
- Wilson decideed to send Americand in as allies of the British in order to stop the increasing German power