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The Naval Race and Colonial Disputes
Both Britain and Germany felt that a powerful navy was capable of controlling trade in the seas and would secure land during a war. In effect, Germany sought to build ample ships, but Britain built far superior navy ships called dreadnoughts. In return, Germany was only fueled more to spend money on building navy ships. After this, powers searched for new colonies, however Germany was unable to colonize much because Britain and France had already claimed much. -
The Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand
The Archduke wanted to visit the hospital tending to the many civilians injured by the bomb intended for him and instructed his driver to take him there. On his ride there, a serb saw him and fired his revolver at the Archduke. This caused the tensions between the kingdom of Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian empire. -
Germanys Declaration of War on Russia
German declared war on Russia which cause France to mobilize. After this Germany declared war on France as well. Soon after they invaded through Belgium to attack France where they were weak completely ignoring the treaty of 1839. Later on Britain asked Germany that Belgian neutrality be respected but they paid no heed causing Britain to declare war on Germany. The World War had turned into a European war. -
United States joins the War
The United States joined the war after two years of neutrality to help their allies Britain and France. They were angered at the German submarines attacking their merchant ships. America's entrance to help the others led to the stalemate being broken. -
The Treaty of Versailles
Formed after WWI, the treaty called for peace amongst the allies, and that no imperialism shall take place or taking over conquered lands. Germany, Italy, and Russia were soon no longer part of the League of Nations because the people in the league were still conquering lands. The Allied Powers wanted to reimpose this peace again which led to WWII. -
Germany and Italy after the Treaty
Japan began to invade China and started conquering it. Italy wanted to bring great wealth and property to their nation once again, but the treaty did not let them take Ethiopia as a colony. Germany after the Great War felt betrayed by the strict policies in the treaty and other states agreed meaning Hitler could rise to power without much opposition. -
Germany Conquers Europe
They went into Poland unannounced and bombed the metropolitan cities. On top of this Britain and Germany were fighting by sea as well through navy and submarines. The French fell and the Italian army came in because they believed Germany was winning the war. Also attacked Britain through mainly air attacks on their most populated cities which was called "The Blitz". -
USA Joins the War/ Pearl Harbor
Decided to join the war somewhat by having a cash-and-carry policy with Britain then lend and lease of weapons and machines. Japan declared war on the USA by attacking Pearl Harbor in Hawaii with more than 350 Japanese planes. After this, Germany and Italy also declared war. Later on, the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union declared war on Japan which led to Emperor Hirohito to surrender and the war to end. -
The Holocaust
During the War, Germany had created concentration to kill and overwork Jewish people. They had committed racial genocide that would soon not be forgotten. Although they had murdered others who were unfavorable, the Jewish people were the main target. 5.7 million Jewish people, roughly, were murdered during the Holocaust. Such a deed was made sure to be avoided if ever there were a war. -
The Cold War
The end of WWII left many of the European states weakened economically and politically. However, the United States was doing well and prospering as well as Russia. Despite fighting together in WWII, they opposed each other because they were different in views. The US did not want the communist ideas to spread from the USSR and the USSR did not want capitalist ideas to spread either. After WWII, the unlikely pair turned on each other causing the Cold War.
