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The Creation of the Triple Alliance
Made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The Dual Alliance was made up of Germany and Austria-Hungary, created in 1879. Italy joined in three years later forming the trio. The alliance was so that France, currently helpless without any allies, could not team up with any of the countries, like Austria-Hungary. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Two years before, Kaiser Wilhelm II became the ruler of Germany. He was a very stubborn man, but he was proud. He didn't want to share his power with anyone aside from wanting to assert his own power. Under Wilhelm rule, he may or may not have made desicions that would keep his country strong. -
Alliance of Russia and France
Wilhelm wanted to make a treaty with Russia in 1890. As a response, Russia formed an alliance with France in 1892 - 1894. This was what Bismarck's, the previous ruler of Germany, was afraid of. With Germany helpless, and Russia and France together, war would be a risky action. To stengthen the German navy, Wilhelm asked Great Britian, but then rejected. -
Militarism
The policy of gloryfying military power and keeping an army prepared for war. Citizens felt patriotic when their military was large and strong. In some cases it scared people as well. Back then, nationalism was very important because it showed that one country was superior. However, the rise of nationalism turned into a competition. This competition was a large factor that caused World War 1 -
The Creation of the Triple Entente
After bing alarmed by Germany's request, Great Britian created an alliance with France. In 1907, Britian made another alliance with both France and Russia. The trio called themselves the Triple Entente. The alliance allowed peace between Britain and France and Russia, so that Britain would not have to fight the two countries. -
Austria annexing Bosnia + Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina were two Balkan areas with large Slavic populations that was taken over by Austria-Hungary. The Serbian leaders who ruled the two Balkan provinces, were angry. Serbia promised Bosnia and Herzegovina that they would no longer be under Austria-Hungary power. However, Austria-Hungary would not allow it -
European Arms Race
In the early years of the 20th century. To be truly great, European nations had to have a very strong army. All Great Powers except Britain, had poerful armies. In case of war, military experts stressed the importance of being able to quickly mobilize, or organize and move troops. -
The Assasination of Archduke Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, went to visit Sarajevo, Bosnia. The couple sat in an opened roof car where they were both shot by Gavrilo Princip. Gavrilo Princip was a 19 year old Serbian and member of the Black Hand. They were a secret society committed to ridding Bosnia of Austrian rule. -
1st Declaration of War
First day of WWI. Europe was divded into two camps, the Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance. The Triple Entente was made up of Great Britain, France, and Russia. the The Triple Alliance was made up of Germnay, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. When Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia, it set off a train reaction where both the Triple Enente and the Triple Alliance would all fight each other. -
Great Britain declares war on Germany
After the German government declared war on Russia, Russia went to France for help. Before Russia could even ask, Germany declared war on France as well. Later, Great Britain joined in on the action and declared war on Germany. -
Battle lines are drawn
The Central powers, which used to be the Triple Alliance, was made up of Germany and Austria-Hungary. They were called Central Powers beacuse both countries were located in the middle, or heart, of Europe. Later Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire would join. The Triple Entente changed to Allied Powers, or Allies. Japan joined as well as Italy, a former Triple Alliance member.
