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Militarism Grows
Militarism is the glorification of the military and its authority. The power of a nation's military was equal to the power of the country. When one country advanced in newer and better technology, another followed closely behind to get ahead. Nations were expanding funding for defense and developing weapons that were greater than their neighbors. Rising militarism fueled an arms race and incited thicker tensions between European nations. In this pre-war period, it was a translation of strength. -
Alliances
Alliances kept countries committed to one another in the face of possible war. Germany and Austria-Hungary formed an alliance together as the Dual Alliance. Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente (later becoming the Allied Powers). What could have been a war between two countries expanded because of the coalitions made. Countries were to support and operate with their allied nation if engaged in war. The alliances proved tensions in Europe and arranged the set up for a world war. -
Imperialism
A history of stronger nations taking control of weaker ones for economic advantages rose before the war. The surge to collect smaller lands pushed pressures of opposing powers a step further towards war. France and Britain had colonies in large portions of Africa. Germany, with not nearly as many, pursued the remaining. While doing this, Germany purposely interfered with Britain's plans and French-Morrocan conflicts intending to draw Britain and France apart. Instead, the enmity cultivated. -
Nationalism
Mass nationalism supported the confidence that nations had in their country. The extreme patriotism to one's country created an assured feeling that in a possible war their nation would come out victorious. The powers also had strengths that made citizens believe in them even more. Britain had a powerful naval force. Russia had a massive army. Germany had exceptional efficiency and preemptive strategy. France had skillful fortresses and defenses. Many Europeans believed their country prevailed. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Hours after a first assassination attempt, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were shot and killed by a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary was outraged and looked at all of Serbia to blame. The assassination was a reflection of the high conflicts and the outcomes that would come. Austria-Hungary sent a harsh ultimatum to Serbia after rejecting their proposal for arbitration. The threat of war was now prominent. -
Germany's Blank Check
A week after Archduke Franz Ferdinand death, Germany then sent a blank check, also known as Carte Blanche, to Austria-Hungary. It pledged them unconditional support for the country and any actions taken against Serbia. -
World War I Begins
A month after Ferdinand's death, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This led to other allied countries being pulled into the war. Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary in defense of Serbia. As Russia mobilized, they called on allied France to do so too. In less than a month, Germany declared war on France, going through neutral Belgium to get to there and leaving behind eradication. Britain then demanded Germany to leave but instead led Britain to declare war on Germany when they refused. -
Sinking of the Lusitana
Nearly a year in the war, Germany was using unrestricted submarine warfare in waters near Britain. In February, Germany stated a warning for those traveling by boat in the area to do so at their own risk. Shock still came when a German U-boat torpedoed the British Lusitania without warning. The boat had a vast fatality including over 120 Americans. Germany justified the attack when it was found that the Lusitania was carrying contraband. Germany promised the US to stop the unrestricted warfare. -
Germany's Resumption of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Germany's promise to stop unrestricted submarine warfare was short-lived. There had been several instances in which Germany was responsible for the deaths of Americans in European waters. Germany announced they would be resuming unrestricted warfare, as it was an advantage for them in the war. Three days later, the US broke off diplomatic relations. The attitude of those in the US was increasingly growing negative towards Germany. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Tensions were already high caused by the repeatedly broken promise by Germany to stop unwarned attacks on ships with Americans on board. British codebreakers intercepted a letter from Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico's German ambassador. It proposed if the US entered the war on the Allies' side, then Germany would support the Mexican army to attack the US. After reaching US officials, it went nationwide and sparked alarm. It wasn't long before President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany. -
The United States Enter WWI
Congress approved Wilson's request and declared war on Germany, officially entering the war. America then sent 14,000 infantry troops to begin combat training in France. US propaganda appealed to patriotic America to join the war. Over 2 million men and 20,000 women enlisted in the army; another 2.8 million men were drafted. It was percieved as a civic duty in the US to support the war effort in any way. The US involvement helped the side of the Allies and changed the way of life in America. -
Effects of WWI
WWI left nations weak, damaged, and in debt. Newly formed countries like Hungary, Austria, Poland, and more were born. There were over 37 million casualties from soldiers and citizens alike. WWI expanded channels of interest in higher technology. Major advancements in weapons and sciences changed the way war would happen. Open ideology spread in many nations along with a mass depression. Women gained more rights, colonies revolted, and debts were owed. The world had changed forever. -
The Treaty of Versailles
To end the war, Germany and the Allied Powers signed the Treaty of Versailles. It blamed Germany for the war and its destruction. Germany was to pay reparations of 5 billion, make territory compromises, and disarm. Germans were seen as cold and cruel, but themselves began falling into a mass depression. Although the German people also suffered from the war and the effects, the treaty still sought to weaken them. The treaty also committed the involved nations into an alliance once again. -
Dawes Plan
The Dawes Plan was a system set up for the US to give Germany loans to pay off Britain and France. The war and the Treaty of Versailles had left Germany's Weimar Republic in massive debt. The Weimar Republic was stuck in a constant state of political and economic unstability. -
Great Depression
After the war, the US thrived. It became the largest creditor in the world and brought in wealth, but didn't last long. Overvalued stocks were in an abundance and investors paid in installments. Buying on margin, foreign interest rates, and more contributed to the downfall of the stock market. When it crashed, it destroyed the US economy. Within months, people were homeless, starving, in debt, and jobless. In roughly two years 20% of the US was unemployed. People everywhere were suffering. -
Young Plan
Directly following the plummet from the stock market crash, the US immediately pulled loans made to Germany. Germany's Wiemer Republic sunk deeper because of America's money crisis. The reparations were harsh on the Wiemer Republic and the citizen's lives, so the Young Plan was made to benefit changes. Germany's debt was reduced, the amount of time to pay extended, and allied troops were withdrawn. Although improvements were made, German life was still very difficult. -
Rise of Hitler
Depression hardships were taking a toll on Germany. The struggle to live in everyday life led to a rise in strong German nationalism. In desperate conditions, Germans started to take a liking to radical ideas over their usual politics. Hitler had an extreme nationalist view, believing Germany was going to rise and dominate the world. Hitler appealed to the despondent community by his promises to bring back Germany. Soon, Hitler began gaining power and the start of a new harrowing ear had begun.
