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Creation of Dual Alliance
In 1879, Bismarck formed the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria- Hungary. He felt that the greatest threat to peace in Europe was France, and as long as they did not have any allies, that they would be safe. This was one of the first steps that Bismarck took in making Europe what he thought was a more peaceful place. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
After the Dual Alliance was formed between Germany and Austria-Hungary, Italy then also joined the alliance, forming a Triple Alliance. A Triple Alliance is a peace treaty between three countries, where they promise not to wage war on the other countries, and come to each others defense when neccessary. This event is significant because there is a rising power within alliances and whoever plays them right can end up on the top. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II
In 1890, Kaiser Wilhelm II, the ruler of Germany forced Bismark to resign. Wilhelm did not like the alliances because he did not want to share his power with anyone. He discontinued Germany's alliance with Russia. This is significant, because Germany just detached itself from Russia, and is still in the Triple Alliance with Italy and Austria-Hungary, eventually turning the two against each other. Germany just solidified which side they were on. -
Alliance of Russia and France
In 1892 and again in 1894, Russia struck up a military alliance with France. This is significant because now Germany cannot strike up war with one of them without striking up war the the other. This could be able to happen because Germany lapsed their treaty with Russia. They formed an Alliance System, where they agreed not to attack each other, and if one was attacked then they would come to each other's defense. -
Rise of Militarism
Militarism is policy of praising military power and keeping an army prepared for war. All of Europe was becoming tense and began preparing for war, strengthening and enlarging their militaries. This was the very beginning of the path that lead to World War 1. Militarism was being increased because of the growing rate in imperialism, a want of expanding a country's power and wealth by colonizing other countries. -
Conflicts between Germany and France over Morocco
In 1905 and again in 1917, Germany and France nearly fought over who would control Moroco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Germany backed down. This event is significant because it showed how imperialism, expandingan empire by taking over weaker countries, was very competative. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
In 1907 Britain created a Triple Entente with France and Russia. A Triple Entente is when three countries vow not to attack each other, but they do not have to come to each other's defense when attacked. This is significant because this solidified the side that Britain, France, and Russia would be on during the war. -
Austria annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria took over Bosnia and Herzegovina to avoid a rebellion from the Slavic population. Austria-Hungary was opposed to the effort of a large Serbian nationalism. Nationalism is showing pride for something that you belong to, like a country or race. Austria feared that efforts to create a Slavic state would stir rebellion among its Slavic population. This is significant because this escalated tensions quickly between Serbia and Austria. -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
While visiting Sarajevo in 1914 with his wife Sophie, Archduke Ferdidnand was assasinated. Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serbian and member of the Black Hand was the one who shot Ferdinand and his wife. The Black Hand was a secret society committed to ridding Bosnia of Austrian rule. This is significant because it shows just how serious the tensions were getting. -
The First Declaration of War
The assasination of Ferdinanad and his wife made Austria snap. On July 23rd, Austria presented a number of demands which Serbia mostly met. At this point though, Austria did not want a negociation and on July 28th, they declared war. Great Britain, Italy, and even Germany wanted a negotiation but it was refused and so all of Europe was dragged into the war. Russia had to respond to the declaration of war on Serbia because of the alliance. This event is significant because it started huge war.
