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Militarism
"The belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability & be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests" (OxfordDict.) What is considered a key factor that led up to World War I, militarism was practiced by most world powers and can be thought of as a metaphorical 'show of arms'. -
Alliances
Nations built alliances with the intention of increasing their geopolitical power. This both ensured a source of aid and an increased military presence. Nations with competing ideologies also formed alliances, this contributed to increased tensions that eventually led to World War I. An example of this would be when, both "Germany and Austria-Hungary formed the Dual Alliance" (ab.edu). Also with the "Triple Entente’ between Britain, Russia, and France" (ab.edu). -
Imperialism
"The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions" (MerriamWebster). With British imperialism prominent in Africa and about the globe, and combined with Britain's unwillingness to relinquish colonies. Tensions soon heightened with the central powers over power and inevitably made their relations tense. -
Nationalism
Inflating national importance was common then as it is today, this is known as nationalism. Nationalism comes in many shapes and sizes, one example of nationalism is image improving propaganda. Others are national pride days, an example of which is the 4th of July. -
Period: to
World War I - Treaty of Versailles - Great Depression
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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
What was considered a pivotal step towards World War I, the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofie created tensions that propeled other major powers towards war. -
Germany's Blank Check
Seen as an olive branch of unconditional aid Germany gave Austria-Hungry a blank check that showed their affection and support to Austria-Hungry's sphere of influence. -
The Birth of World War I
Alliances that rang true and anger that bled through, the world has bear witness to the birth of a World War. With Germany supporting Austria-Hungarian aggression towards Serbia, combined with Serbia's allies within the east, the first World War was officially in full swing. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
Torpedoed by a German U-Boat, the Lusitania sustained 1,198 civilian casualties. The sinking of the Lusitania can be seen as an act of aggression that shifted the world's perception of Germany. -
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
With unrestricted submarine warfare declared by Germany, the area around England was a metaphorical 'no man's land' in which any and all ships would be sunk by the German navy. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The Zimmerman Telegram was a plea from Germany to Mexico. Germany offered to give Mexico back the land they lost in the Mexican-American war if and only of Mexico raged war against the United States. The idea was to hinder American Capabilities during the World War I. -
United States Intervention
With US intervention in full force, America's fighting capabilities were unhindered mainly due to the fact that US factories were undamaged compared to European powers that were spoiled by the damages of war. -
Effects of World War I
35 million total deaths of both civilians and soldiers combined can be attributed to World War I. Empire fell and new governments were created. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that had the intention of ending German influence. -
Dawes / Young Plan
The Dawes / Young Plan was a plan to cripple the German capability to rebuild its military through reparations. Although this plan had some unintentional consequences damaged the German economy and put Germany into its own depression. -
The Great Depression
With the collapse of the U.S. stock market, millions of people were left jobless and hungry. The collapse of the economy had created a chain link that began to degrade other economies. -
Rise of the Fuhrer
Painter to Soldier to Politician, Adolph Hitler was voted as Chancellor of Germany. The party Hitler created rose as the dominant party in Germany and soon Adolph Hitler became a dictator who pushed his ideology as law.
