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Creation of Dual Alliance
Bismarack used power and war to unify Germany. However, he feared that France would disrupt their peace if they wanted revenge for their defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. Therefore, Bismarakc formed the Dual alliance between the Austria-Hungary Empire and Germany. -
Creation of the Triple Alliance
Italy joins Austria-Hungary and Germany to create the TRIPLE ALLIANCE. Bismarack creates treaty with Russia to take away a possible ally from France. -
Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II and resignation of Bismarck
Kaiser Wilheml II, the leader of Germany, was a strong-willed man who took pride in his strong military. He wanted to show the world how powerful Germany had become. Kaiser Wilhelm II forced Bismarack to resign because he did not want to share the power. WIth Bismarack's resignation, Germany's treaty with Russia collapsed. -
Alliance of Russia and France
To respond to thier severed treaty with Germany, Russia turned to France for a military alliance. This was the alliance that Bismarack feared, but he could not do anything because he was no longer in power. War with either Russia or France meant Germany would have to fight off two countries on their East and West borders. -
Rise of Militarism
Militarism is the policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war. Although this new policy made many feel patriotic about their nation, others felt frightened and thought it was setting Europe up for war. -
Conflict between Germany and France over Moroco
Kaiser Wilhelm saw the friendship between France and England, and feared it would threaten Germany's political power in Europe. Wilhelm travelled to Morocco and made a speech saying that Morocco was a nation free from any foreign influence. Wilhelm also said he expected Germany to get the same trading advantages other countries got. Kaiser Wilhelm did this as an effort to destroy the friendship between France and England. However, his actions only made their allinance greater. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
When Wilhelm began a shipbuilding program that would rival one of the British navy, Great Britian formed allianes with France and Russia. This alliance was called the TRIPLE ENTENTE. Although it did not guarentee that Britian would fight alongside either country, it ensured that it would not fight against France or Russia. -
Austria annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina
Because the Ottoman Empire was quickly declining, the new nations formed were eager to expand their borders with NATIONALISM being a driving force. Serbia wanted to create a country that would include all the Slavs on the Balkan Peninsula. Because of Russia's high Slavic population, they supported Serbia. However, Austria-Hungary, Serbia's northern neighbor, didn't want Serbia to expand because they feared their Slavic population would rebel. Therefore, they took over Bosnia and Herzegovina. -
The Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo along with his wife, Sophie. His assassins were Serbian. Austria-Hungary, who was already angry at Serbia for trying to expand their borders, used this as an excuse to punish them. -
The First Declaration of War
Though Serbia was willing to negociate with Austria-Hungary to avoid war, Austria-Hungary had it's mind set and rejected their offer. Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia. This decleration set off a chain reaction throughout Europe. It split Europe into two parts. The Triple alliance included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The Triple Entete included Great Britain, France, and Russia.