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Creation of the Triple Alliance
Growing rivalries and mutual mistrust had lead to the creation of several military alliances among the Great Powers as early as the 1870’s. The alliance system had been designed to keep peace in Europe. Prussia’s chancellor, Otto von Bismark, formed the Dual Alliance between France and Germany in 1879. Three years later, Italy joined the two countries, forming the Triple Alliance. The war became more intense because of the Triple Alliance because it dragged other countries into the war -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Kaiser Wilhelm II became the ruler of Germany in 1888. In 1890, he forced Bismark to resign because he did not want to share his power with anyone. He wanted to show the world how mighty Germany had become. He let the nation's treaty with Russia lapse in 1890, and then began a huge shipbuilding program in an effort to strengthen the German navy. This is important because to prove that one's country is strong, that country must defeat the others in battle, so Germany [cont'd in comments] -
Alliance of France and Russia
When Wilhelm let Germany’s treaty with Russia lapse in 1890, Russia responded by forming a defensive military alliance with France in 1892 and 1894. Such an alliance had been Bismark’s fear. War with either Russia of France would make Germany an enemy of both and would be forced to fight a two front war. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
The Triple Entente was an alliance between Britain, France, and Russia. It did not bind Britain to fight with France and Russia, but it ensured that Britain would not fight against them. This was important because it divided up Europe into two sides. -
Austria-Hungary Annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
On October 6, 1908, Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina , two Balkan Areas with large Slavic populations. They did so because Austria-Hungary feared that efforts to create a Slavic state would cause rebellion among its Slavic population. Serbian leaders, who had saught to rule these provinces, were very angry. The Serbs continually vowed to take Bosnia and Herzegovina away from Austria- Hungary. response, Austria- Hungary vowed to crush any Serbian effort to undermine [cont'd in comments] -
European Arms Race/ Militarism
By 1914, all the Great Powers except for Britain had large standing armies. In addition, military experts stressed the importance of being able to quickly mobilize, organize, and move troops in case of a war. Militarism is the policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war. European nations believed that to be truly great, they needed to have a powerful military. Since European society glorified war and spent a lot on it, people were unreluctant to fight. -
Assasination of Archduke Ferdinand
Gavrilo Princip, a 19 year old Serbian member of the Black Hand killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in Sarajevo. Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for th death and delivered an ultimatum to Serbia, who was backed by Russia. This lead Austria to declare war on Serbia which drew other allies into the conflict. -
The First Declaration of War
After the assasination of Archduke Ferdinand, Austria presented Serbia with an ultimatum. Serbia agreed to most of Austria’s demands and they offered to have several others settled by an international conference. Austria rejected Serbia’s offer and declared war. On the same day, Russian leaders ordered the mobilization of troops toward the Austrian boarder because Russia and Serbia were allies. This began World War I. -
Britain Declares War on Germany
Two days after declaring war on Russia, Germany also declared war on France. Soon afterward, Great Britain declared war on Germany. Much of Europe was now fighting in the war. -
Battle Lines Are Drawn
In Mid August, the battle lines were drawn.
On one side were Germany and Austria Hungary, known as the central powers. Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire joined later. On the other side were Great Britain , France, and Russia, known as the allied powers. Italy and Japan joined later.
