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Alliances
By this time six of the major world powers had made alliances among each other. The Triple Entente consisted of Britain, France and Russia, while the Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. These alliances played big parts in the first World War because without them, only two countries would have been fighting with each other. -
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his Wife
Franz Ferdinand was not particularly a well-liked man in Serbia, he thought they were low-lifed pigs, and the feeling was mutual. Him and his wife had come out to see some military exercises, but on their rides around town there were young Bosnian men creating a ruckus and attempted to kill him. Most were unsuccessful and instead of fleeing to somewhere save Ferdinand insisted continuing and was then shot in the neck with Sophie with a shot to the abdomen dying beside him. -
Germany's "Blank Check" to Austria-Hungary
Austria’s ambassador was sent to Germany to tell Kaiser Wilhelm about the tragic death of their heir to the throne Ferdinand. Wilhelm, having known and been closed to the man, was greatly enraged that this had happened and he felt that it was his duty to do everything he could to help them. The ambassador had also told him about the plans to declare war on Serbia to which Wilhelm supported their decision. This “blank check” showed Germany’s backing in their affairs even at the cost of war. -
World War I Begins
Before the war broke out, France and Russia had created an alliance, creating tension with Germany in 1821. Germany quickly sought out plans to take over France. In 1907, Britain had become another ally to France and Russia against the Central Powers. In 1914 the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated and Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia, declaring war on them. Then, Russia decided to retaliate with war. launching the allegiance into effect including Great Britain. -
Germany's Resumption of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
About three times from January to November of 1917 Germany would announce unrestricted warfare against any and all ships in war zone waters. Sinking several ships and killing many people, including Americans. They would only suspend this long enough to appease the Allied nations. The US had taken enough of this and broke off all relations with Germany and joined the war effort on the Allies’ side. -
US enters World War I
Three years after WWI starts, the United States joins the war effort one of which was in order to help their close trading partner, Great Britain. Because of the amount and quality of America’s supplies and troops, they had a huge hand in the victory of the Allies. Unfortunately, 50,000 American men had lost their lives. -
Sinking British Liner, Lusitania
A German U-boat had sunk Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, while it was heading New York to England. Sadly, 58% of the 1,900 passengers on board died. This ship had no direct part in the affairs of World War I so everybody on it was unjustly fired upon and sunk. However, as was later discovered, Lusitania had millions of rifle ammunition and over a thousand shrapnel shells for the US army. This enraged the American people and it yet another factor that played into them joining the war. -
World War I Ends
This “War to End All Wars” threw the U.S. in what we call the Great Depression with thousands out of work and hungry. Most European countries had huge debt either because of war costs or because they had the hard hitting consequences of losing. However, six new countries were formed: Poland, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Estonia. Europe had went from 19 to 13 monarchies and 3 to 14 republics. -
Treaty of Versailles
This was an attempt by allied nations to keep Germany from going under economically. It redrew German boundaries and provided reparations. Though, the country was still responsible for the consequences inflicted on them from losing in the war. The German people, however, signed this treaty with much protest and still continued to do so. Even with this signed treaty, the Germans had a strong belief that they again would come out as a prominent European country. -
The Great Depression
After WWI ended, the high demand for resources had plummeted before the people providing the resources could slow down on production. This caused the stock prices to quickly fall and people were trying their best sell their stock for what’s left of the value on Black Thursday and five days later on what is now called Black Tuesday, the stocks completely fell to ruin. Many people lost their jobs and food and shelter was hard to come by. -
Young Plan Along With Dawes Plan
First, there was the Dawes plan in 1924 put into effect in order to bring Weimar Germany out of hyperinflation and stabilise the economy. It had worked for about five years Weimar began to get back on its feet, but the reparation payments are still a huge burden. Then, in 1929 former allies had come up with the Young Plan to further support Weimar by reducing the reparations even more. These plans were both an attempt to prevent the country from falling into communist hands. -
Hitler Becomes President
When WWI began in 1914, Adolf Hitler - like many young men seeking adventure - decided to join the army. This got the ball rolling to Hitler’s interest in politics and thus became the president of Germany. He was chancellor for about a year until President Paul von Hindenburg died. Hitler had a very racist reign that started with the idea of that Jews and other politically neutral people had rigged WWI so the Germans would lose. -
Zimmerman Telegram Intercepted
This telegram was a message from Germany to Mexico basically making an alliance against the US. However, before it made it to Mexico, the British had intercepted, deciphered, and sent it to America. Four days after Congress released the plans to the public, the US was preparing for war against Germany in the first World War.
