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The Triple Alliance is Formed
Second major defense allaince in Europe, consisting of Italy, Germany, and Austria-Hungary. Provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power. -
The Triple Entente is formed
It was one of the two major defense alliances in Europe that included France, Great Britain, and Russia. The alliance provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power. -
Austria-Hungary Takes Control of Bosnia
On 6 October 1908, Austria-Hungary announced the annexation of Bosnia. Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Britain, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, Germany and France took an interest in these events. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo
Video on the Causes of World War I Whilst visiting Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. Thus, the "powder keg" of Europe explodes. -
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Occurs after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared what was expected to be a short war against Serbia. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Followed a strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan. This plan called for a holding action against Russia, combined with a quick drive through Belgium to Paris; after France had fallen, the two German armies would defeat Russia. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
U-Boat Sinks the Lusitania German counterblockade was created to counter the British blockade. During this period of time, the German U-Boats sank the Lusitania, killing nearly one thousand and five hundred peopleas well as turning Americans against the Central Powers. -
First Battle of Somme Begins
Battle of SommeThis battle began on July 1st and ended in the middle of November. The casualties totaled to about 1.2 million as a result of the tatic used, Trench Warfare. -
Zimmerman Note Discovered
This telegraph from the German foreign minister to the German ambassador is intercepted by British agents. The telegram proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany and promised that if war with the United States broke out, Germany would support Mexico in recovering "lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. -
US Declares War on Germany
Most Americans sided with the Allies, however, they did not want to join the fight. In 1917, however, the Americans began to mobilize for war for two reasons: to ensure the repayment of debts to the U.S. and to prevent a German threat to U.S. shipping.
