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Franco-Russian Alliance
When Wilhelm II, the German Emperor, refused to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with the Russian Empire in 1890. It made it necessary for Russia Empire to look for new allies, like France in 1892 and with Great Britain in 1907. -
Bosnia-Herzegovina Annexation
The annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, was opposed by Serbia and Russia wanted to support. Germany had embarrassing letters from Russia concerning Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and threaten to release them if Russia stood against the annexation. This created more tension and war in the area -
1914 Assassination of Royalty
The assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austria spark the chain reaction that started World War I. Because of the Serbia threat in the Balkans and the assassin was a Bosnian Serb, Austria-Hungary had an excuse to declare war on Serbia. -
War Declare!!!!
Austria-Hungary declares war of Serbia. Russia mobilizes to support Serbia. Germany invades Belgium, before marching on to Paris and declaring war on France. Germany invades Poland, which leads to Great Britain to declare war on Germany. -
The Battle of Tannennberg
The 1st major battle of World War I was fought between the German Eighth Army and the Russian Second Army. Germans won even though they had nearly 50,000 less soldiers and the Russian Army was defeated so bad the they never return to German lands during WWI. -
Trench Wars Begin
A month after WWI started, the Battle of Marne was first battle between France and its allies and Germany was fought. Germany was winning in its march towards Paris, France with over 1,400,000 soldiers, but France and its allies with 1,000,000 soldiers were able to spread the German armies out and attack the gaps. The Germans retreated to the northern part of France and was able to keep their battle line for four years. Trenches were widely used. -
The Sinking of Lusitania
the sinking of the British luxury cruise ship by the Germans, strengthen the support of America for the Triple Entente in backing the Triple Entente. The attack killed nearly 1,198 of it 1,959 passengers, with 159 Americans included in the numbers. -
Battle of Somme
The Battle of Somme last for 5 1/2 months. New technology and war strategies were used with the introduction of tanks. The battle was meant to given the French forces some relief for the Battle of Verdun. Losses on both sides totaled more than a million soldiers lives. -
US enter World War I
Germany sent secret notes, called the Zimmerman Telegrams, to the German minister to Mexico urging him to talk to the Mexican government about joining them in the event that the United States enter the war. They were promised parts of the US in exchange for joining the Triple Alliance or German side. -
US Neutrality ended
President Wilson wanted the US to remain neutral, even after the sinking of the luxury liner Lusitania. But the Zimmermann telegraph, stating the division of US territory for the support of Mexico alliance with Germany, pushed the US into the War. President Wilson declared war on Germany. -
End of WWI
With the US entering the war, fresh soldiers, supplies and guns added to the forces of France and Great Britain. The Triple Alliance started to fall with Turkey first, the Austria-Hungary second and finally Germany signing an agreement to end the fighting.
