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Nationalism
Nationalism is extreme and strong support for one's country. Prior to World War One, Vienna, Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia gather together to create a peace plan for a new Europe. In this new nation Germany and Italy were specifically excluded. -
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Militarism
Militarism is defined as wanting a large army to expand a nation or promote it's national interests. Militarism can be seen throughout all of history, whether it was used for conquering more territory or protecting one's nation. -
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Imperialism
Imperialism is when a country takes over another and forces them under their rule. France and Britain owned many countries all over the world but both possessed many colonies in Africa. -
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Alliances
An Alliance was an agreement between nations to protect and come to the aid of one another if one should enter into war. During World War One two main Alliances existed. The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The other alliance, The Triple Entente was made up of Great Britain, France, and Russia. -
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie
The Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were in the midst of taking a tour of Sarajevo in an open car when a grenade was thrown at them. The person throwing the bomb missed and injured an officer on duty. When returning from visiting the injured officer the driver took a wrong turn. One of the people associated with the bomber was standing near by. He saw and opportunity and shot the Archduke and his wife, leading to a chain of events that would begin World War One. -
Germany's blank check to Austria-Hungary
After Franz Ferdinand's assassination, Austria-Hungary wanted to take action. Kaiser Wilhelm, also upset about the assassination, pledges his country's unconditional support for whatever action Austria-Hungary was willing to take against Serbia. However they also became wary because declaring war on Serbia would be declaring war on Russia. -
World War One
Austria-Hungary had given Serbia a strict ultimatum. After not complying with the offer, war is declared upon Serbia. Serbia calls for Russia's help. France, being an alliance of Russia, and Germany, being an alliance of Austria-Hungary, both getting involved in the conflict as well. Great Britain also got pulled into the war because of its alliance with France and Russia. Both the Triple Alliance and The Triple Entente were now at war against each other. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7th, 1915 a German submarine, otherwise known as a U-boat, sunk a British ocean liner named the Lusitania. The U-boat used a torpedo to sink the ship. 1000+ people lost their lives that day, 128 of them being Americans, gaining the attention of President Woodrow Wilson. This event caused many peoples opinion about Germany to change. -
Zimmermann Telegram
German foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmermann, sent a telegram to the German Ambassador to forward to Mexico. This message proposed an alliance between the two countries and offered financial support if Mexico was to enter into war with the United States, along with restoration of Mexico's lost territories. British intelligence intercepted the telegram and informed the President of the United States. The President suggests that the country beings to equip their Navy incase of a German attack. -
Germany Resumes Unrestricted Warfare
After the sinking of the Lusitania President Woodrow Wilson sent a request to Germany to end attacks against unarmed merchant ships. Germany agreed and set strict rules for the U-boats, basically putting them out of use. The Navy was not eager to hear this news. The first decided to convince the army and the government that U-boats were necessary and could result in their victory. Then when telling the Kaiser they had the army and government on their side only to persuade him further. -
United States Entry into World War One
The United States quickly became allies with Britain, Russia, and France. On April 6th, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany. With the sinking of the Lusitania, the resumed U-boat warfare and the Zimmermann telegram, tensions got too high. Many people in the United States still wished to remain neutral. The U.S. entering the war had a large effect on supplies. The U.S. offered the most food, gas/diesel, money, weapons, etc. -
Effects of World War One
When World War One came to an end the United States was the leading industrial power and largest creditor in the world. Because of this nationalism only became stronger in the country. After the war an estimated 16 million people died. Countries like Russia and Austria-Hungary had a downfall. Even though World War One was destined to be the war that ended all wars, the first steps that led to World War Two were already in process. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty used to officially end World War One. However this treaty put all of the blame on Germany. They were ordered to resize their boundaries, pay other countries for reparations and take a huge load of responsibility. The economy became so unbalanced due the server inflation from their debts. They also had to extremely downsize their army. Germany was already upset after the war but now they were furious. They felt it was unfair and insulting. -
The Dawes and Young Plan
Germany found themself unable to pay the 31.5 billion they owed. Inflation skyrocketed and German currency crumbled. The U.S. refused to cancel Germany's debt. European powers gathered together and agreed on a new payment plan for Germany. Their debt would be sufficiently reduced and their annual payment would grow over time. This plan was used so their economy could get back on its feet and be able to repay their debts in full. A bank and a 58 year payment plan was established. -
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The Great Depression
The stock market was quickly gaining popularity. The rich and the poor both favored it. There was rapid expansion in the stock market as people of all classes invested their money into it. People started to lose their jobs and less products were being made because so much money was focused on stock. On October 24th, 1929 millions of dollars of shares were traded and found to be worthless. From this there was countless debts, foreclosures and unemployed people. -
Rise of Hitler
Adolf Hitler became his climb to power by joining the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei. He worked his way the ranks and eventually turned it into the Nazi Party. He realized he was a very good speaker and demanded to be made a leader. Now he was closely affiliated with the government. Germany was searching for a strong leader and soon enough looked to Hitler to lead them.
