The Causes of World War 1

By michael.timm@pndhs.org

  • The Triple Alliance was Formed

    The Triple Alliance was Formed
    • The Triple Alliance was an alliance between Germany, Austria- Hungary, & Italy.
    • Later known as the Central Powers, this alliance was an agreement between the nations to support eachother in the event that one of the country's falls into war.

  • The Triple Entente

    The Triple Entente
    • The alliance between France, Britain, and Russia was formed.
    • The country's agreed to support eachother in the case of war breaking out.

  • Austria- Hungary takes controll of Bosnia

    Austria- Hungary takes controll of Bosnia
    • Austria- Hungary Annexed Bosnia, this is also known as a The Bosnian Crisis.
    • The treaty of Berlin had to be ammended to accept the new status quo.
    • This anexation was a major reason for WWI.

  • Archduke Franze Ferdinand Assasinated

    Archduke Franze Ferdinand Assasinated
    Video
    - This event was the spark needed to start the first world war
    - Immediately due to the assasination Austria- Hungary declared war on Serbia in what was suspected to be a short war, however due to the alliance system this was not the case.

  • Austria- Hungary declared war on Serbia

    Austria- Hungary declared war on Serbia
    • This was the direct result of the assanation of archduke Franze Ferdinand
    • The Catalyst that sparked WWI.

  • Germany invades Belgium

    Germany invades Belgium
    • The ultimate plan, called The Schlieffen Plan, was to capture France and then defeat Russia, Belgium was simply in the way.
    • The allies were unable to save Belgium and therefore retreated to France where they were able to halt the German advance.

  • German U-Boad sinks The Lusitania

    German U-Boad sinks The Lusitania
    • The event turned public opinion in many country's against Germany.
    • It was a major factor in the American entry into the war
    • It also became used as a symbol for military recruiting

  • The First Battle of the Somme begins

    • Final Calualties of the Somme totaled more than 1.2 million.
    • This is a perfect example of how deadly the new tactic of trench warfare made World War I.

  • The Zimmerman Note

    The Zimmerman Note
    • The Zimmerman note was a telegram sent by Germany intended for Mexico. The note was a dimplomatic proposal for Mexico to declare war against the United States.
    • The discovery of the telegram helped to generate support for the United States declaration of war on Germany.

  • The United States Declares War on Germany

    The United States Declares War on Germany
    • The United States was no longer able to remain neutral.
    • President Wilson had to declare war in order to ensure Allied repayment of debts to the United States, and to prevent the Germans from threatening U.S. shipping.