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Militarism
In the late 1800's, there was a rise in technology and new weapons that caused tension between the world powers. Everyone was in a rush to arm their nation, though there was no present danger. Their dash to build their armies was described as "Militarism", or the belief that a country/nation needed to develop a strong Military in order to be prepared to defend or attack at any time. -
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Nationalism
Nationalism is the patriotic feeling or pride in ones homeland. It was one of the leading factors of Imperialism and Militarism because it pushed people to defend their nation. During WW1, nationalism was very popular in swaying the thoughts of many citizens. It was almost like a drive that pushed people to brush aside logical thinking and to join together like a well-oiled machine. An example of nationalism is when the Germans unified in 1871 when their empire formed from the ashes of Prussia. -
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Imperialism
After the 1880's, most of the World Powers began the "Scramble for Africa," which is the conquering of land in Africa to acquire natural resources and to plant colonies. The concept of conquering foreign lands was known as "Imperialism" and many of the large nations practiced it. However, the U.S had alternative motives than most. Because America had so many resources of their own, they thought it suited them to export their goods to foreign lands instead of using the other nations resources. -
The German, Austria and Italy Alliance
The Triple alliance was between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. It was formed to protect each other from attack from other great nations. It was created in 1882 but was renewed in 1914 when the prospect of a war was brewing. -
The Formation of the Triple Entente
The Triple Entente was formed between Great Britain, France, and Russia in response to the formation of the Triple Alliance by Germany, Austria and Italy. With the growing of alliance's, tensions continued to spike around the world. -
The Assassination of Austria-Hungary Archduke
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated by a Bosnian Serb nationalist in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The couple had been taking an official visit to the province when nationalists attempted to take their lives. The first assassin attempted to bomb the Archduke's car but failed and ended up injuring 15-20 people. After the meeting with the Mayor, Ferdinand and Sophie decided to visit the people injured during the bombings but were shot by another assassin and killed. -
Germany's Blank Check to Austria-Hungary
On July 5, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledged his full support in Austria-Hungary. He said that no matter the path they choose, Germany would stand beside them, even if it meant War. Knowing this, Austria-Hungary had a new found faith in finding justice for their late Archduke. This day might have been one of the main sparks that started WWI. -
Austria-Hungary declares War on Serbia
Knowing that they had Germany's had their back, Austria-Hungary wasted no time in declaring war against Serbia for murdering their Archduke thus beginning World War 1. -
Great Britain Joins WWI
On August 4, Germany cut through Belgium to get to France. During their time in Belgium, Germans were brutal to the citizens because Belgium had refused to join the War and wanted to stay neutral. Many Europeans were outraged by German actions to innocent people and only hours after this news spread around, Britain declared war on Germany. -
The Sinking of the Lusitania
The Cunard Ocean liner, the Lusitania, was struck by German submarines, killing over 1,200 passengers and leaving only 761 survivors. Of those 1,200, 128 of them were Americans. This angered the U.S because they had been trying to stay neutral in the War. Germans tried to justify that the ship carried arms, which made it fair, but it did little to extinguish the U.S's disdain of Germany. The sinking of the ship helped burn the anger of Americans and was used as propaganda during the war. -
Zimmerman Telegram
In January of 1917, a telegram was intercepted and decoded by Britain intelligence forces that revealed that Germany had attempted to coax Mexico into an alliance by offering to help them capture parts of the U.S for them. In exchange, Mexico was to block goods from America going to Britain. Before any actions could be taken, America swiftly warned Mexico of what would happen if they tried to rebel and prepared to join the World War. -
Germany's Resumption of unrestricted Submarine Warfare
On February 1 of 1917, Germany begins to use unrestricted Submarine Warfare that it had used before the U.S warned them to restrict their attacks due to the sinking of the Lusitania, the cause of death of 128 Americans. Germany had given up using submarines when they received it September of 1915, but later decided it was the only way for a German victory. -
America enters the World War
On April 6, the U.S joined the Allies in fighting against Germany. The U.S was able to rally 4 million men for the war cause and at home, many job opportunities opened for minorities that had never been opened before both for military and consumer purposes. The Government pushed for people to support the war effort and goods were rationed in order to send supplies to the armies overseas. -
Treaty of Versailles
After years of fighting the Great War is finished and Britain, France and the U.S join together to discuss a treaty. They didn't all agree with a plan for peace, but after six long months, the Allies finally put forward this treaty that they forced Germany to sign. The agreement states the Germany will take responsibility for the war, limit their army, lose some of their territory and pay all the reparations of war to France and Britain. -
The Rise of Hitler
In September of 1919, Adolf Hitler joined the German Workers party, who changed their name into the National Socialist German Workers party, or Nazi. In April 1921, Hitler was nominated to lead the party. Later in 1923, Hitler attempted but failed to overthrow the German Government. He was sentenced to 9 months in jail, during that time he wrote Mein Kampf (My struggle) that describes his view for the future of Germany. Soon after he leaves jail, he is elected as the ruler of Germany. -
The Effects of the War
The end of the war was wonderful for some, but in reality, there was a lot that was effected. Over 17 million died during the war including civilians and soldiers, though not all from battle. Germany was faced with the responsibility of the war, loss of territory and billions of dollars of reparations. Austria- Hungary was broken up due to horrible tensions and the view of war horrible lightened to a view that was almost glorious when in reality it was far from it. -
The Great Depression
For the first time in U.S history, the Stock Market experienced it's most devastating market crash ever recorded. Thousands lost their jobs and many were left to starve. -
The Dawes Plan and the Young Plan
The Dawes plan presented in 1924 was an attempt to fix the problem with the reparations that Germany had to pay after the World War. Years later, a man named Owen D. Young revised Dawes plan, which was renamed the Young plan and adopted in 1930. His plan reduced costs by 20 percent and better planned for the future of Germany by cutting the reparation times. -
World War II Begins
After tension between Hitler and other European countries, the second World War begins when Britain and France declared war on Germany after invading Poland.
