The world at the beginning of the 20th Century By dean.pattalis Jan 1, 1871 Germany wins Franco- Prussian War and takes the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine From France Jan 1, 1882 Germany. Austria-Hungary and Italy sign the Triple Alliance Jan 1, 1889 The Second International, a congress of socialists meet in Paris Jan 1, 1898 The Spanish-American War: the Phillipines, Guam and Puerto Rico are transferred to the United States of America Jan 1, 1899 Boer settlers rebel against British rule in South Africa Jan 1, 1900 The Boxer Rebellion against foreign influence takes place in China Jan 1, 1901 President McKinley (USA) is assasinated by an anarchist Jan 1, 1906 The British Dreadnought battleship is launched; naval race with Germany begins Jan 1, 1907 The Triple Entente is created between Britain, France and Russia Jan 1, 1908 A commision uncovers abuses and maltreatment of tribespeople in the Belgian Congo Jan 1, 1910 Japan Annexes Korea Jun 28, 1914 The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne is assasinated in Sarajevo Jul 28, 1914 Austria bombards Belgrade with the opening shots of the First World War Aug 4, 1914 All major European powers are at war