World war one

Causes of World War I

  • Dual Alliance

    Germany and Austria-Hungary allied, principally against Russia.
  • Triple Alliance

    Italy joined for prestige and colonial ambitions; they would support eachother if attacked by France
  • Dual Entente

    France and Russia promised mutual help if attacked by Germany.
  • Entente Cordiale

    Britain and France solved colonial problems in Egypt and Morocco.
  • First Moroccan Crisis

    France strengthened interests in Morocco; Germany retaliated but France supported by Britain and Russia at Algercias Conference 1906; a diplomatic setback for Germany.
  • Triple Entente

    Britain became involved and joined with France and Russia.
  • First Balkan Crisis

    Austria took over Bosnia-Herzegovina; Serbia, encouraged by Russia, denounced the action; Germany supported Austria but war was avoided.
  • Second Moroccan Crisis

    French army occupied Fez, capital of Morocco; Germany sent cruiser to Agadir; British navy alerted but compromise reached when France gave Germany interest in Congo as compensation for Morocco.
  • Second Balkan War

    Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece formed Balkan League and attacked Turkey; Turkey defeated and lost most European territory.
  • Second Balkan War

    Bulgaria, encouraged by Austria, attacked Greece and Serbia; defeated; Serbia and Greece gained territory by Treaty of Bucharest.
  • Assassination

    Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to Austrian throne is assassinated at Sarajevo, Bosnian town, by member of Serbian secret society.
  • Blank Cheque

    German Kaiser and Chancellor agree to support Austria if hostilities break out. Germany give Austria a blank cheque.
  • Ultimatum

    Austria sends ultimatum to Serbia; harsh terms including demand that Austrian officials be permitted to enter Serbia to suppress anti-Austrian movements; demands reply in 48 hours.
  • Reply to ultimatum

    Serbia replies and accepts most demands but will not allow entry of Austrian officials; this was not acceptable to Austria.
  • Austria-Hungary declares War on Serbia

  • Russia declares mobilisation for war

  • Germany demands that Russia demobilise

  • France and Germany mobilise; Germany declares war on Russia

  • Germany demands that Belgium allow troops to pass through-needed for Schlieffen Plan; Belgium refuses

  • Germany declares war on France after France refuses to declare neutrality

  • German troops enter Belgium

    German troops enter Belgium; Britain demands that Germany withdraw; Germany refuses; Britain declares war on Germany.
  • Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia

  • Britain and France at war with Austria-Hungary

  • Italy joins Britain, France and Russia