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Growing nationalism in Germany
Nationalism is when a group of people wants to live independently from the rule or influence of other nations. During the 19th century, the German people of different states developed an idea that they were not of citizens of their individual states but instead they were one common people. Other factors that contributed to an increased nationalism in Germany are cultural factors, weakness in the military (effects of the French Revolution), roles of liberals and economic factors. -
The Franco Prussian War
The Franco Prussian war occurred in the German state of Prussia, between France and Germany. The nations that were involved were France, Spain, and Germany (Prussia). The main causes of the Franco-Prussian war were Spain getting rid of their Queen and selected a Prussian Prince to take over the Spanish throne, this alarmed France because of the Spanish-Prussian alliance surrounding them. Prussia wanted a war with France and lost easily resulting in giving Prussia money and territory. -
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Imperialism and scramble for Africa
There are many factors that contributed to the imperialism of Africa, such as, political, economic and social. But due to the political instability and power struggles in Europe as there were many European countries seeking national power it was thought that to achieve national power would be the colonization of Africa. -
German Unification
The German Unification occurred as a result of the Franco - Prussian War. Before the German Unification, there were approximately 300 states. Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck united Germany in the palace of Versailles. The cause of the unification was Germanies hatred towards France. From this time onwards Germany became a united nation. -
The Triple Alliance
The triple alliance was formed in 1882 it was an agreement between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The triple alliance was basically a document that stated that they would support each other in case of war or if attacked by France. -
The Triple Entente
The triple entente was an alliance originally formed between Russia and France. -
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The Balkans War
The Balkans is a peninsula between the Black Sea, the Mediterranian, the Adriatic, and the Aegean.
In 1912 several countries in the Balkans signed a series of military alliances. The aim of the alliances was to start a war on the Ottomans and drive them out of eastern Europe. This war was beneficial for Serbia as they had gained a double amount of territory.
As Russia supported Serbia's move, Austria-Hungary decided to take action on Serbia. -
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The naval race of Britain and Germany
Germany was identified as a threat to the British Empire. The British Royal Navy was the most powerful in the world. From 1906 the naval race was focused on a new battleship developed in Britain called the dreadnought. It was a powerful battleship designed around firepower and heavy guns, it was also powered by steam turbines. -
Austria-Hungary formally annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 1908 the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary formally annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina. This enraged Serbia as they claimed that both territories should be apart of Serbia and demanded war with Austria. Russia and Austria met, it was agreed that Russia would not object to the annexation and would back down if they were not denied access to the Dardanelles, they knew that Germany supported Austria-Hungary and did not want to start a war. Russia's humiliation led to the outbreak of war. -
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Growing Serbian nationalism
Serbian nationalism grew in response to their anger at Austria-Hungary annexing Bosnia & Herzegovina. The aim of these nationalist groups was to free Serbia from any foreign control, especially Austria-Hungary. -
The assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand traveled to Sarajevo in 1914 to inspect military exercises in Bosnia-Herzegovina recently annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908 which had enraged Serbia. After learning about the Archduke's visit a group of young student began nationalists started to plan a plot to assassinate him during his visit. Gavrilo Princip shot both the Archduke and his wife Sophie whilst they traveled in their official car. -
The 'Blank Check' assurance
In the days after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria-Hungary decided to start a conflict with Serbia and needed support from Germany. The Austrian-Hungarian Ministry then sent Alexandar von Hoyos to Berlin with a personal letter from Franz Josef to Kaiser Wilhelm II, which stated the need for urgent action in the Balkans Region. Germany pledged full support for any decisions that Austria-Hungary chooses to take. -
Austria-Hungary delivers ultimatum to Serbia
Barely a month after the Assination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand the Austrian-Hungarian Empire gives an ultimatum to the Serbian foreign ministry. The ultimatum stated that the Serbian government would have to accept an investigation into the assassination and to eliminate all anti-Austrian propaganda, among other conditions. -
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Russia declares support for Serbia
Exactly one month after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. In response, Russian declared support for Serbia and ordered mobilization against Austria-Hungary. -
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Declarations of war
28 July - Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Not satisfied with Serbia's response with the conditions on the ultimatum. 1 August - Germany declares war on Russia. Germany wanted to invade France (Russia's ally). 4 August - Britain declares war with Germany. Germany's invasion of Belgium angered Britain. Sent an ultimatum to Germany and did not meet the demands to withdraw troops. Britain then declared war on Germany.