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Web of Mutual Alliances
-Triple Entente (Britain, France, and Russia)
-Russia & Serbia
-Austria-Hungary & Germany
-Japan & Britain
Nationalism
Militarism
Imperialism
-Tensions arose over competition for colonies in Africa and Asia
Immediate Cause (Trigger): Assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand -
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On this date, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian insurgent group called The Black Hand. This event is ascribed to being the spark which set off the powder keg to begin World War I. -
In response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary issues an ultimatum to Serbia, demanding that they eradicate all anti-Austrian propaganda and root out Serbian. terrorist groups. When Serbia refuses, Austria-Hungary declares war.
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In response to the mobilization of Russia's military forces, Germany declares war with Russia.
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The sinking of the Lusitania, which resulted in the deaths of American civilians, pressures the U.S. to intervene in the world.
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Foreign Secretary of the German Empire Arthur ZImermann issues a proposal to Mexico, offering the formerly-Mexican owned U.S. southwest territory in exchange for an alliance with the Central Powers. -
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An armed insurrection led by the Bolsheviks, a communist group, leads to the eradication of the provisional government and establishment of a socialist republic in Russia. -
Following the Bolshevik Revolution and abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, the new communist Russia government signs an armistice with Germany.
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As a result of the signing of hte Treaty of Versailles, Germany was to be indicted of full responsiblity of causing the war; moreover, Germany was forced to give up much of its land, severely limit its military, and pay impossibly exorbitant war reparations to the Allies.
