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The Bonds that Led to WWI
A military alliance formed between 2+ nations means in the event of a war, its allies would aid. The Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy is a more complex alliance. It was formed against sentiment towards France and Russia. If any of these countries were to be attacked by other nations, its allies are to provide strong military support. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, it dragged Germany and Italy in. With all of these tight alliances, nations were pulled in. -
A Pride that Corrupts
Pride in your country is a good thing, but when expanded it brings harm to people's minds’ and relations. Boasting military strength, exaggerating power, and using biased information to brainwash citizens is all known as nationalism. Becoming the strongest economic and military power in all of Europe, Germany began aggressively building up her influence throughout the world. Germany's arrogance led her to cause serious conflicts with major powers of Europe. (1890-1914) -
The Race for the Strongest Army
Militarism is reasoning that every nation should operate a strong military for the purpose to expand. Before WWI, European countries had began modernizing their military weapons due to competition from other countries. Great Britain and Germany had a naval race between 1906-1913. The HMS Dreadnought was built for the royal navy in Feb.1906, which made Germany extremely jealous of Britain's new naval might. So Germany began constructing dreadnoughts for their army in order to overpower Britain. -
A Race Finishing with WWI
Imperialism is when a powerful nation establishes control over weaker nations. While being new to the concept of empire building, the U.S. had begun engaging in imperialism. By gaining control of the Philippines, Cuba, Guam, Alaska, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and Pacific Islands, the U.S. had gained more trade, a rising economy, and political control. This worldwide race to increase a nation’s power, land, and economy led to bitter rivalries, and in the long run led to WWI. -
How the Death of Two Started it All
Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot along with his wife by a nationalist in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Their assassination led to an increase in tension between Europe's highest powers. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia, which was backed by Russia. On July 28th, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and within a week, Russia, Belgium, Great Britain, France, and Serbia stood against Germany and Austria-Hungary, which officially started the first World War. -
A Message Igniting a War
After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie, Austria-Hungary was willing to go to war with Serbia if Germany would support them. German Kaiser, Wilhelm II approved this and provided his support through a telegram to Emperor Franz Joseph II. This was actually the blank check known today. Not only did this reassure Austria in declaring war on Serbia, but led to a whole chain of events that led to the first World War. -
The Outbreak of WWI
World War I started in Austria-Hungary when it declared war on Serbia. That was on July 28th, 1914. Germany had then declared war on Russia, upon hearing of her mobilization. France was also attacked, being Russia's ally but by doing so, Germany invaded Belgium. This violated the neutrality, pulling in Great Britain in order for it to keep her end of the treaty. -
The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
Less than a year since the complete outbreak of World War I, the RMS Lusitania (British ocean liner) was sunk by the Germans. Out of 1,900 passengers, a total of 1,100 lost their lives. The United States had not yet entered the fight, and wouldn't do so for 2 more years, but the sinking of the RMS was significant by turning public opinion extremely against Germany, not only in the United States, but other countries as well. -
Germany Resuming Submarine Warfare
After pressure from the U.S. as well as other neutral countries had suspended Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, it was on the 31st of January that the threat had resurfaced. This policy was made as a response to the sinking of the Lusitania. The suspension of U-boat warfare angered German navy commanders, and it was announced by Bethmann Hollweg to the German Reichstag government that unrestricted submarine warfare would begin again the next day (Feb. 1st). -
The German's Secret Message
The Germans secret message, known as the Zimmerman Telegram was published on every U.S. newspaper on March 1, 1917. This message was caught and deciphered by the British in January, but was only told to President Wilson on February 28th. The message was from German secretary to the German ambassador in Mexico proposing an alliance, and the possible reward on U.S. territory. On February 27th, the U.S. had begun arming their ships against possible German attacks. -
The United States Enters the War
The United States entered WWI on April 6, 1917. It wasn't until June 26 that the first American troops arrived in France to begin training for combat. Since there had been 4 years of bloody fighting, America's involvement and supply of troops was greatly appreciated. Before U.S. troops, all the nation's armies were neutralizing one another, but now the allies had the advantage over Germany. America's manpower in Europe helped defeat Germany on the fronts, leading the Allies to victory. -
The End of the War
The end of WWI on November 11, 1918 brought peace, but many consequences as well. A total of 16.5 million people died worldwide, with 20 million wounded. Despite victory, Americans came to regret participation in the war. Believed to be dragged in by Britain, some thought what the harm of Germany ruling Europe would have been. Many disagreed with the Treaty of Versailles as well. The treaty created new countries, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Estonia, and Czechoslovakia. -
The Treaty of Versailles
After World War I had ended, the Allied Forces proposed a treaty that regulated and restricted Germany's powers. Germany was forced to demilitarize, pay reparations, and concede territory to Belgium. It instituted "War Guilt Cause" on the Germans as well, having them take full responsibility for everything. Germany was allowed no contribution to the treaty, which left the nation angry and wanting to rebel. Hitler later used that anger to gain power. -
The Dawes and Young Plans
The Dawes and Young plans were created to ease the load off of Germany that the Treaty of Versailles had created. The Dawes Plan of 1924 was worked out by economic experts working under Charles G. Dawes. It was proven to be a success, as currency in Germany was stabilized. The Young Plan of 1929 was made to support Weimer’s government. Since these plans didn’t decrease the amount of reparations required, Germans hated it, as well as the idea of foreigners having control over their economy. -
The Great Depression
After WWI had ended, the United States had a blooming economy, and President Hoover predicted that soon all poverty would cease to exist. Then, the stock market crash of 1929 plunged the U.S. into the worst economic crisis ever to exist. American firms had previously earned so much profit, that there was no way to continue expanding, so they were left to slow down over the next years. Over 9,000 banks had failed, people stopped purchasing goods, more people lost jobs, and so on. -
The Rise of a Murdering Tyrant
The German’s defeat in WWI left their nation economically unstable, and lacking confidence. The loss was humiliating for them. Hitler, a leader of the Nazi party, quickly rose to power with his ability to convince a whole country by using his impressive speaking skills. On January 30, 1933, Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany. President Hindenburg thought he could control the new chancellor, but Hitler was determined to become supreme ruler of Germany, and succeeded.
