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Creation of the Dual Alliance
Otto Von Bismarck created the alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary because he wanted to keep the peace and in order to do that he felt he needed to isolate France, so that peace was maintained. To Isolate France he united Germany and Austria-Hungary so that France could not "contaminate their minds." The significance of this event is that it introduces the alliance system, agreements or promises to defend and help another country, which later is a big factor in the war. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Three years after Otto Von Bismarck created the Dual alliance Italy joined Germany and Austria-Hungary creating the Triple alliance. The triple alliance means exactly what it appears to mean, it is an military alliance between Italy, Germany ,and Austria-Hungary. once again, The significance of this event is that it displays the alliance system, which later is a big factor in the war. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck, lapse of treaty with Russia.
Kaiser Wilhelm II was the ruler of Germany at this time and he acquired his power by making Bismarck resign in 1888. While he was ruling he was obsessed with power as a result Wilhelm let Germany's treaty with Russia lapse in 1890. Russia retaliated by forming a military alliance with France in 1892 and 1894. This event is significant because is highlights that impearlism is a cause of the war because Wilhelm's want for power overcomes his senses and he becomes reckless. -
Alliance of Russia and France
As a result of Wilhelm letting Germany's treaty with Russia lapse, Russia formed a defensive military alliance with France in 1892 and 1894. Now because of this alliance war with either Russia or France would make Germany the enemy of both. The significance of this event is it shows the importance of alliances which are a key part of war. -
Conflicts Over Morocco
In 1905 and later in 1911 Germany and France almost fought over who would have control over Morocco in Northern Africa. Majority of Europe supported France, therefore Germany backed down. The significance of this event is it is an example of how imperialism, a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, led to World War 1. Germany and France are the imperialists fighting over the country being colonized, Morocco. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
In order to make Germany be the top power holder Wilhelm felt he needed to make the German navy equal to the mighty British fleet. A little bit scared Britain entente, or in other words an alliance, with France. In 1907, Britain made another entente, with both France and Russia, putting the triple in "Triple Entente." The significance of the triple Entente also is that it shows the importance of alliances in that in war there is strength in numbers. -
Austria annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 1908, Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, two largely Slavic populated provinces, in the Balkans. As a result the Serbian leaders who attempted to rule these areas were infuriated and over the next years tensions between Serbia and Austria swelled. Therefore the Serbs swore they would gain back the annexed land. The importance of this event is that is shows how imperialsm, empire building and colonizing, started the war because Austrias greed to acquire more land angered many. -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
Archduke Ferdinand and His wife Sophie were assassinated while visiting Sarajevo. The assassination was organized by a group called the black hand, a group against Austrian rule. It was carried out by a memeber Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serbian. The significance of this is that the Nationalism feelings, having pride in your country, willing to defend it, from the Serbs was so great that they were even willing to kill the Archduke, knowing very well that it would upset many. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
Austria officially declared war when the Serbians refused the Austrians list of demands and instead wanted to negoatitae. Therefore Austrian leaders declared war on July 28! This event shows exactly how nationalism started the war, because of the nationalism of person who killed the Archduke a whole chain of events was set off which led to Austria declaring war on Serbia. -
Britain declares war on Germany
Reacting to Austria’s declaration of war, Russia, an ally of Serbia, started moving its army toward the Russian-Austrian and German border. Russia assumed that Germany would join in because they were allies of Austria but un aware of this Germany interpreted their mobilization as a declaration of war. So Germany did just that in 1914, they declared war against Russia. -
Germany declares war on Russia and then France two days later
After Germany declared war on Russia, anticipating that France would eventually declare war Germany cut right to the chase and officially declared war against France on Augst 3rd. -
Rise of militarism
Militarism is a policy of glorifying military power and keeping a standing army always prepared for war. The rise of Militarism gave a great deal of help to set the stage for war by pitting the countries against each other thus making them create their own militaries. As a result of glorifying their military power to keep them prepared a patriotic sensation arose for most countries.
