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Formation of the Triple Alliance
Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy formed an alliance called the Triple Alliance.This alliance was made to isolate France. -
Russia alliances with Triple Alliance
Bismarck took another possible ally from France by making a treaty with Russia. -
Germanys foreign policy changed dramtically
When Wilhelm II took power and did not wish to share power with anyone. He wanted to assert his power and was eager to show the world how mighty Germany had become. -
Germanys alliance with Russia expires
Wilhelm let his nations treaty with Russia lapse. -
Period: to
Russia forms a defensive military alliance with France
In result of Germany dropping Russias alliance, Russia then responded in joining a defensive military alliance with France. Such an alliance was Germanys fear. If Germany went to war with either of them they would have to fight a two-front war. -
Great Britain formed an entente with France
Alarmed by Germanys attempt to build a strong nnavy, Great Britain formed an entente (alliance) with France. -
Triple Entente
Britain makes another entente with both France and Russia. It was called the Triple Entente. It did not bind Britain to fight with France and Russia, however it ensured that Britain would not fight against them. -
Franz Ferdinand, and his wife, Sophie assassinated in Bosnia
Because the assassin was a Serbian, Austria decided to use the murders as an excuse to punish Serbia. They presented Serbia with numerous demands. Sebrian leaders agreed to most of Austrias demands because Austria was a more powerful nation. -
Austria Rejects Serbia's Offers
Austria did not want to negotiate with Serbia's offers so they rejected them. They then declared war on Serbia. -
Germany declares war on Russia
In respone to Autrias declaration of war, Russia, Serbias ally, began moving its army toward the Russian-Austrian boarder. Expecting Germany to join Austria, Russia also mobilized along the German boarder. To Germany, Russia's mobilization amounted to a declaration of war. -
Germany declares war on France
As the result of Germany declaring war on Russia, Russia looked for help from their ally France. Germany did not wait for France to react. Two days after declaring war on Russia, Germany also declared war on France. Finding themselves fighting a two front war with France on their west and Russia on their east. -
Britain declares war on Germany
As a result of Germany declaring war on both France and Russia, Britain stepped in and declared war on Germany. They did this to support their allied powers. -
Japan declares war on Germany
Japan declared war on Germany because of their alliance with Great Britain. -
Germany counterattacks Russia in Tannenberg.
During a four day battle where Germany invaded Russian army and put them into full retreat. Many soldiers were killed. -
First Battle of Marne
Germany thought they were going to be victories but the Allies took action and attacked the Germans on the north east of Paris in the valley of the Marne River. After four days of fighting, Germany gave up. -
Ottoman Empire joins the Central Powers
The Ottoman Empire wanted to regain lost land. This resulted in the Ottoman Empire joining the Central Powers. Because of this the Allies made the Gallipoli Campaign. -
Gallipoli Campaign
The allies made the Gallipoli Campaign. It forced Bulgaria to join the Central Powers because of its failure. -
Battle of Verdun
One of the longest battles. The causilties from Verdun and the impact the battle had on the French Army was a reason for the British starting the Battle of the Somme in July 1916 in an effort to take German pressure off of the French. -
Italy joins Entente
Italy joins alliance with Austria after the Austria promises them land. -
Germany sinks the U.S.S. Lusitania
Germany fought in submarine warfare. This was a very smart way to fight since almost all ammunition was transported by ships. But made the US angery and scared. -
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Germany launched a policy where they will sink any ships without any warnings. This made the Allies very upset. -
The Zimmerman Note
The British intercepted a telegram from Germany. Germany was trying to send Mexico a proposal to join the Central Powers to reconquer land that was lost. -
War starts between US and Germany
The US decided to enter war with Germany. They did this because of the Zimmermans note that the British intercepted. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
This was a peace treaty between Russia and the Central Powers. This resulted in Russia leaving World War 1 -
Second battle of the Marne
This was Germanys last attack on the western front. Their plan was unfolded when the French counterattacked -
Kaiser Wilhelm steps down
Wilhelm is forced to step down as a leader of Germany. -
Armistice
Germany and France both agree to sign an agreement to stop all fighting
