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German Empire founded
As a result of the Franco-Prussian War, the Prussian-led North German Confederation was dissolved and the German Empire was formed to take its place. Former members of the Holy Roman Empire and German Confederation, excluding the Austro-Hungarian Empire, had also joined the new Prussian-lead German Empire. The French, who suffered a humiliating defeat in the war, become bitter rivals with the new Second German Reich. -
Triple Entente
On August 31st, 1907, the Russian Empire, French Third Republic, and the United Kingdom signed a treaty to counter the Austro-Hungarian, German, and Italian Triple Alliance. -
Bosnian Crisis
The Bosnian Crisis was a result of Austria-Hungary announcing the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Ottoman territory. This annexation was protested by all the Great Powers and Austria-Hungary's Balkan neighbors. This damaged Austria-Hungary's relations with both the Russian Empire and Serbia. -
Franz Ferdinand killed
While visiting the Bosnian capital of Sarejavo, Franz Ferdinand was killed by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip. -
Austria declares war
After Serbia refused some of Austria-Hungary's demands, the Kaiser of Germany informed the Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that he would back them if they declared war on Serbia. Austria then declared war and invaded. After recieving news of this, the Pan-Slavic supporting Tsar of the Russian Empire mobilizes troops. -
Germany declares war
After the Russian Tsar denyed Kaiser Wilhem's warnings to stop mobilizing, the German Empire declares war on Russia. Italy, instead of honoring its alliances, dissolves it and declares neutrality. The Ottoman Empire signs a secret alliance with the German Empire. -
Britain declares war
After Belgium denies passage to the German Empire because of its neutrality, Germany declares war and invades Belgium. The United Kingdom protested this, saying that Belgium's neutrality was guarenteed by a treaty. The Germany Empire replies that the treaty was a worthless piece of paper. Great Britain, in response, declares war on Germany. -
Zimmerman Telegram
After years of Uboat Warfare, the German Empire felt that the United States would enter the war. To try to counter this, the German Empire attempted to propose a secret alliance to Mexico. The telegram with this proposal was caught by the British and decoded. They then sent it to the United States. The Untied States, in response prepares for war. -
October Revolution
After years of suffering because of the war, the Russian people are tired of war. Communist revolutionaries see this and start the October Revolution. Because of this revolution, the Russian Empire falls and the newly formed Soviet Union signs peace with the Central Powers. -
United States joins
After years of diplomatic and military strife with the Central Powers and cooperation with the Allies, the United States declares war on Germany. -
Treaty of Versailles signed
After years of war and many fallen empires, the newly formed nations sign the Treaty of Versailles in Paris, France. This treaty heavily punished the Central Powers and was especially harsh towards Germany, who was seen by Great Britain and France as the cause of the war. -
Adolf Hitler imprisoned
Adolf Hitler, a young Austrian soldier is arrested for an attempted coup. During his time in jail, he writes "Mein Kampf", his manifesto. He, like many Germans and Austrians, blames the Allies for the trouble in Germany. Before the war, he formed his anti-Semetic views while living in the Austrian capital of Vienna. -
Black Tuesday
The United States stock market crashes after people lose confidence in the stock market. -
Herbert Hoover declares worse is over
President of the United States, Herber Hoover, declares the worst of the Depression is over. He promises the economy will become better within the next 60 days. -
Smoot–Hawley Tariff
A tarrif is passed by congress which severely limits importing of foreign goods to the US. Other nations pass similar tarrifs and destroying the international economy in the process. -
Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor
Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany after his charismatic leadership brings the National Socialist Party, or Nazi Party, into power. -
FDR Elected, Promises "New Deal"
Cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, Frankin Delano Roosevelt of the Democratic party was elected president. In his inagurational speech, he promises American's a new deal. He proceeded to reform the economy and government, as well as comforting Americans. -
WPA gives Americans work
The WPA, one of the many new organizations that came from FDR's New Deal, gives thousand of Americans secure jobs. They build infrastructure and help the economy by putting currency into the hands of the consumers. -
Social Security founded
The Social Security program is founded. It provides benefits for Americans who are in need. Opponents of Social Security accuse it of being a "socialist institution" and accuse Franklin D. Roosevelt of being a socialist himself. -
World War II Begins
WW2 begins as Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, and the USSR attack Poland. -
Japan attacks the United States
Imperial Japan, who fought on the side of the Allies in WWI, bombs the American naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They did this in an attempt to keep the United States from helping the Allies in the war and because the United States refused to sell them oil, which they desperately needed. -
The USA enters WWII
The day following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declares war on Japan and joins WWII on the side of the allies. Nazi Germany declares war on the United States in retalation. -
The Great Depression Ends
Because of the new industry and manufacturing caused by the war, enough Americans are able to become employed, wether it be in the military, industrial sector, or agricultural sector, and boost the economy.
