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Triple Alliance
Prior to the Triple Alliance, there was a Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary that was formed by Otto van Bismarck to ensure that France was isolated. Italy was later added to the alliance and it then became known as the Triple Alliance. According to this secret alliance, if a war were ever to occur between Italy and France, Germany and Austria-Hungary would assist them, or if a war between Austria-Hungary occurred, Italy was to remain neutral. -
Triple Entente
The Triple Entente was a militant alliance of France, Russia, and Britain, and the rivalry to the Triple Alliance. The Triple Entente was a treaty implemented and introduced by Britain to ensure that war did not break out between Britain, France, or Russia. -
Assasination at Bosnia
At the assassination of Bosnia royal heirs to the Austro-Hungarian throne were assasinated in Bosnia, by a Serbian which caused Austria to punish Serbia by presenting them with a warning to succumb to its demands. This ensued after the annexation of Bosnia, and tensions were subsequently very high between Austria and Serbia. Therefore, Serbia did not agree to the demands, and Austria declared war on Serbia causing Serbia’s ally Russia, to move to Austrian borders. -
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The Great War
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Schlieffen Plan
The Schlieffen Plan was a battle plan devised by Germany that strategized attacking France in the west, and then striking against Russia in the east. Germany, knowing they needed a quick victory to win over France, swept into France for the takeover, however, there plans were quickly faulted as allies helped defeat the German military and they were forced to retreat. Meanwhile, Russian forces had already invaded Germany, leaving the plan in ruins. -
Trench Warfare Used
To protect their countries, militaries began using warfare known as trench warfare where soldiers fought each other within trenches. This caused a high amount of soldiers to be killed, as not only were targets easily susceptible to bullets but the poor conditions of the trenches also contributed to the casualties. Russia’s large population contributed to Trench Warfare, as on the Western front as soldiers were falling victim to the trenches, Russia’s large population easily refilled the trenches -
Gallipoli Campaign
The Gallipoli Campaign was an attempt by allies to gain Constantinople for Russia and establish a supply line. Turkish troops harshly defended themselves in the region against vicious Britain, Australia, and France. The armies fought for four years in harsh trenches, until the allies evacuated the area in the December of 1919. -
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Germany knowing it may cause war with the United States, decided to increase submarine warfare, and in 1917 introduced a policy known as the Unrestricted Submarine Warfare policy, that stated that Germany would sink any ship that came in the vicinity of the country of Britain. -
Russia Withdraws from the War
In Russia there were large deficits of food and fuel that eventually caused the Czar of Russia to give up. A new government was implemented, and continued the war. However, millions of Russia’s army were unable to participate in war, and Russia was forced to discontinue any war efforts. Later however, after another new government was introduced, Leader Lenin took power, and offered Germany a truce. Germany and Russia then signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and ended the war between them. -
America Joins the War
After implementing the Unrestricted Submarine Warfare policy, Germany sank three American ships. Continuing to ignore the United States, Germany then attempted to contact the president of Mexico stating that Germany would help get back the land that was taken from Mexico by the United States. However, the United States government intercepted this statement causing President Wilson to declare war on Germany. The United States entered the war on the side of the Allies. -
World War I Ends
Kaiser Wilhelm II steps down, and Germany declared itself a republic. a representatve from Germany met with a representative from France and signed an armistice, ending the war. -
Paris Peace Conference
The Paris Peace Conference consisted of 32 countries who sent delegates to participate in vigorous debates to solve problems involving their peace treaties. These conferences took place at the Palace of Versailles. Four of the most impactful delegates who made the most biggest impact on the conference however,
were known as the Big Four. The Big Four settled most of the major problems facing the countries. -
Treaty of Versailles
Treaty of Versailles The Treaty of Versailles was a treaty settled at the Paris Peace Conference between Germany and the Allied powers that both adopted the Fourteen points, and created the League of Nations to keep peace amongst all the nations. However, the treaty additionally caused Germany to lose much territory, and its military were put under tough guidelines. The Treaty of Versailles was one of five however, and did not keep a lasting peace.
