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America's Conflicts: 1870-1930s Timeline
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Militarism
"Militarism was a significant force in several European nations in the years prior to World War I. Their governments were strongly influenced, if not dominated, by military leaders, their interests and priorities." (Militarism) In the desire to outdo the other, military budgets for Germany and France quickly increased as their army sizes nearly doubled with a few years. As their competition continued, the worse their relationship for each other became. -
Nationalism
Nationalism, or extreme loyalty for one's nation above all else, was a huge cause of WWI. As countries' nationalism grew, some European countries became the equivalence of being "drunk" off of patriotism and loyalty. At times, it was at the point of arrogance, one of the main reasons why Germany started WW1: they were arrogant and assumed they could easily take over the world with little issue. Some Americans became arrogant as well, however not to the extent of some other countries. -
Imperialism
During the late 19th century, along with the arms race, many countries believed their empires should expand further. Through this ideology, Britain, France, and Germany intended on out-matching the other by claiming nearby colonies under their country's empire. Meanwhile, "industrialization caused American businessmen to seek new international markets in which to sell their goods." (American) Social Darwinism also led Americans feeling that America should do the same. -
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
While visiting Belgrade from his home country, Austria, Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. Enraged by this, the Austrian/Hungarian Empire soon after declared war on Serbia. It's believed that due to the actions of the nationalist, it would spark a chain of events that would later start WWI. -
Germany's Blank Check for Austria-Hungary
Following the events of Archduke Franz's assassination, Germany gives Austria-Hungary a "blank check", or unconditional support on whatever actions the country would follow up with. It's due to this however, Germany would make an alliance with Austria-Hungary, known as the Dual Alliance, right before the start of WWI. -
Alliances
One of the largest causes of WWI, the two main alliances were the "Triple Alliance" consisting of Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany, and "The Triple Entente", made up of Great Britain, France, and Russia. After the Archduke Franz's assassination event, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, dragging both Austria-Hungary's allies and Serbia's allies along into war as well. This would later spiral on until neutral countries like America were forced to join. -
The Start of WWI
A month after the events on Archduke Franz's assassination, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Following this, Germany declared war on France through Belgium, which marked the beginning of WWI. As the years would go on, more and more countries would get involved, including the US and Japan. -
Sinking of the "Lusitania"
A German U-boat sank the RMS Lusitania, leading to the deaths of about 1,200 passengers on board, around 120 of them being Americans. Americans were furious about hearing the news, as they were all just innocent people on a cruise liner. Although it didn't have as much of a cause to WWI, it became a contribution to America's participation into WWI nonetheless. -
Zimmerman Telegram
British decoders detained a coded message sent by Germany to Mexico, explaining that if neutral America decides to join the upcoming war on the Allies' side, they'd offer Mexico a chance at regaining conquered land America had won in the past from previous battles, so long as they teamed with Germany. The message was sent to the US in February, in which President Wilson quickly realized the upcoming storm that was upon the world, and got to work preparing for WWI. -
Germany's Resumption of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
The leading factor as to America becoming involved in WWI, was Germany resuming the allowing of submarine warfare on all ships, even innocents and passenger ships. Hearing about this, President Wilson quickly had America join WWI for the Allies. -
America Joins WWI
Although the war started in mid-2014, America didn't get involved, as they had no actual alliance with any country involved at the time, so they abstained from joining. However, a few years later, after several naval attacks from Germany such as the Lusitania, it wasn't until Germany unrestricted submarine warfare when America got involved and joined the Allies. Due to America's vast resources and legion of well-trained soldiers, they quickly turned the battle for the Allies' favor. -
WWI Casualties and Aftermath Effects
Around the time it ended, WWI had the record of having the largest amount of casualties in human history. WWI amassed a total of about 38 million casualties, 17 million dead and the rest wounded. "A growing sense of distrust of political leaders and government officials pervaded the minds of people who had witnessed the horror and destruction that the war brought about," (Silvapages) and the Treaty of Versailles led to the formation of many new countries from Germany and Austria-Hungary. -
The Treaty of Versailles
One of several others, the Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that finally wrapped up WWI. Germany signed the treaty, officially claiming the Allies as the victors, but not without having to pay the price of causing WWI. Having to pay for their country's actions, it landed Germany's citizens in a severe debt that would last generations to repair. Feeling hopeless and unjustly punished, the Allies would receive their wrath a generation later with the rise of Adolf Hitler. -
Dawes/Young Plans
Soon after the end of the war, Germany was forced to pay a huge debt to pay off all the damages the 4-year long war did for all the countries affected by it, as well as lose territory and sign a peace treaty known today as the Treaty of Versailles. Due to these circumstances, Germany suffered a 3-year long case of hyperinflation to their currency, which almost left the country in ruin if not for some decisive decisions. -
The Great Depression and the Rise of Adolf Hitler
Following after a huge economic boom of the 1920s, in the span of a few hours, billions of dollars worth in the stock market seemingly vanished. Due to this, many citizens rushed to retrieve their savings from banks, leading to an economic crash. The "Great Depression" would soon spread around the world in a few years. A few years later, Hitler's actions would break the continuing depression, and start America's path back to economic success with WWII on the horizon. -
The Rise of Hitler
Following Germany's fall from grace through the end of WWI, Corporal Adolf Hitler joins the German Worker's Party. After the signing of the Treaty of Versaille The hyperinflation issue would provide Hitler an opportunity to gain power and members of his group, as the inflation basically ruined the middle class. It wouldn't be long before he became Führer. Years later, Mussolini proved to be a worthy ally to Hitler and his growing group, further increasing his power, eventually becoming Führer.
