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Creation of the Dual Alliance
This alliance was important because later on when Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia, and Russia daclared war on Austria-Hungary, and so Germany had to step in and declare war on Russia, which turned a war between two countries into a war between the entire world.
Alliance System- Agreements or promises to defend and help another country.
The picture is one of two people holding hands, symbolizing agreement, alliance, or a treaty. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Italy joined the Dual Alliance. This took another possible ally away from France. Also this alliance meant that Italy would have to go to war with anyone who attacked Germany or Austria-Hungary.
Triple Alliance- A military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy in the years preceding World War 1.
The picture shows Europe with the red area showing the the countries in the Triple Alliance. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Resignation of Bismarck, Lapse of Treaty with Russia
Kaiser Wihelm II, who was at the time ruler of Germany, forced Bismarck to resign because he didn't like to share power. He thought that he was very important and was very proud of the German Army. While Bismarck was strategic in all of his plans, Wilhelm II's moves made the war harder for Germany. The lapse in the treaty with Russia made Russia form an alliance with France, the beginning of the Triple Entente.
The man shown in the attached image is Kaiser Wilhelm II, ruler of Germany during WWI -
Alliance of Russia and France
Russia got a bit worried when it's treaty with Germany lapsed, so it made an alliance with France. This move was bad for Germany because if it engaged in war with either country, it would have to fight both, which would mean fighting wars on both the eastern and western borders. This alliance was the beginning of the Triple Entente.
Triple Entente- A military alliance between England, France, and Russia in the years before World War 1.
The image shows the flags of France and Russia intertwined. -
Rise of Militarism
Countries developed their militaries to provoke nationalism. They wanted to prove that their country was better because their army was stronger.
Militarism- Building up armed forces, getting ready for war.
Nationalism- Having pride in your country, willing to defend it.
The picture shown is one of a large army, meant to symbolize militarism. -
Conflicts over Morocco
In 1905 and again in 1911, Germany and France nearly fought over who would control Morocco, in Northern Africa. Most of Europe supported France, so Gemany backed down.
This is an example of how Imperialism can cause wars.
Imperialism-The taking over of a weaker country or Territory by a stroner one.
The attached picture is one of the Moroccan flag. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
A treaty between France, Great Britain, and Russia. England joined because it got worried about the powerful navy that Germany was building. Did not require England to fight for Russia or France, but banned it from fighting against them. This split up Europe into two rival camps with a lot of tension in between. All three countries dislike Germany.
Image: The flags of the three countriesinvolved in the Triple Entente. -
Austria-Hungary annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina
Austria-Hungary annexed 2 Balkan areas with large Slavic populations, which made the Serbian leaders mad because they wanted to rule those areas.This caused tension between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Since Russia had promised to back Serbia, there was tension between Austria-Hungary and Russia which exploded after the assasination of the archduke when the first two declarations of war were made.
Imperialism- Empire building, competition for colonies.
image: flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina. -
Assasination of Archduke Ferdinand
The archduke visited Sarajevo, Bosnia with his wife, Sophie. After numerous failed assasination attempts, a member of the Black Hand, Gavrilo Princip, killed them. Princip was Serbian, and Austria-Hungary used that as an excuse to send Serbia an ultimatum. Serbia agreed to most of the demands and suggegsted that they negotiate about the rest, but Austria didn't want to. Austria declared war on Serbia, so Russia declared war on Austria to protect Serbia.
Image: Archduke Ferdinand and his wife -
Austria Declares war on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia because one of their citizens killed the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. This move turned the mindset of every country to war, and since, Russia promised to protect Serbia, it had to declare war on Austria-Hungary.
Image: A political cartoon showing Austria-Hungary squishing Serbia. -
Period: to
World War I
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Germany Declares War on Russia and France Two Days Later
Russia thought that Germany would back Austria-Hungary, so it mobilized its troops toward the German border. Germany took the mobilization as a declaration of war and declared war on Russia. Germany didn't wait for France to come to Russia's aid, and declared war on them first.
Image: Russia's flag and Germany's fag clashing and symbolizing war -
Britain Declares War on Germany
Great Britain felt the need to protect its allies, so it declared war on Germany. This move brought another great power into the war. After this move, most of the important powers in Europe are at war with each other.
Image: Germany against Great Britain flags
