Before WW1 By Timmy Ly Period: Jan 1, 1870 to Dec 31, 1915 BeforeWW1 Jan 18, 1871 Germany wins Franco - Prussian war and takes the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine from France Jan 1, 1882 Germany, Austria - Hungary and Italy sign the Triple Alliance Aug 15, 1889 the Second Internation, a congress of socialists meet in Paris Aug 15, 1898 The Spanish - American War: the Phillipines, Guam, and Puerto Rico are transferred to the United States of America Aug 15, 1899 Boer settlers rebel against British rule in South Africa Aug 15, 1900 The Boxer Rebellion against foreign influence takes place in China Aug 15, 1901 President Mckinley is assassinated by an anarchist Aug 15, 1906 the British Dreadnought battleship launched; naval race with Germany begins Aug 15, 1907 The Triple Entente is created between Britain, France and Russia Aug 15, 1908 A commission uncovers abuses and maltreatment of tribes people in the Belgian Congo Aug 15, 1910 Japan annexes Krea Jun 28, 1914 the heir to Austro - hungarian throne is assassinated in Sarajevo Jul 28, 1914 Austia bombards Belgrade with opening shots of the First World War Aug 4, 1914 All major European powers are at war