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Nationalism
Nationalism is a form of patriotism and loyalty to one’s country. It opened international and domestic tension. In the late 1800's, many Europeans believed that a nation should express the nationalism of a single ethnic group. At the same time the spread of the theory of Social Darwinism did not help soothe the competitive instinct. Social Darwinist's believed that the best nation would come out ahead in the constant competition among countries. -
Imperialism
Imperialism is political, military and economic domination of strong nations over weaker territories. In the late 1800's, leaders of America called for the nation to join the ranks of the world’s major powers. As a result, the United States began to acquire influence and territories outside its continental borders. The country was abandoning isolationism and emerging as a new power on the global stage. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was heir of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. On June 28, 1914, Franz Ferdinand & Sophie were touring Sarajevo in an open car, with little security. Nedjelko Cabrinovic, Serbian nationalist, threw a bomb at the car but rolled off the back of the vehicle wounding an officer & bystanders. Later that day, the archduke’s went to visit the officer, on the way the driver took a wrong turn. Gavrilo Princip saw an opportunity & fired into the car, shooting Franz Ferdinand & Sophie. -
Germany's Blank Check to Austria-Hungary
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledges his country’s unconditional support for whatever action Austria-Hungary chooses to take in its conflict with Serbia. Though when pressed, he responded with uncharacteristic decisiveness, promising Germany’s “faithful support” for Austria-Hungary. Without Germany’s backing, the conflict wouldn't have escalated into a war. The “blank check” assurance, marked a moment in the leading events. -
Militarism
Militarism is the government developing a strong military for the country and being prepared to use it. A spirit of militarism grew in the competing countries and fueled this arms race even more. To prepare, leaders increased the size of their armies and stockpiles of weapons. By 1914 Germany had the largest standing army but Britain had the world's strongest navel base. -
Alliances
European leaders prepared for war by forming alliances. Before 1914, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy later joined to create the Triple Alliance. Opposed to the Triple Alliance was the Triple Entente, made up of France, Russia, and Great Britain. This Triple Entente, squared off against the German-Austro-Hungarian alliance, meant that any regional conflict had the potential to turn into a general European war. -
WWI Begins
Archduke Francis Ferdinand’s assassination was the incident that triggered this conflict. Once the alliances formed it caused a chain reaction. After the assassination Austria-Hungary, with the support of Germany, demanded Serbia for total cooperation in an investigation into the assassination. As Serbia did not agree to all of the demands, Austria-Hungary declared war on July 28, 1914. -
Sinking of Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, a British passenger liner Lusitania was torpedoed without warning by a German submarine off the south coast of Ireland. The attack caused outrage in the United States, but Germany defended their action claiming that the ship was carrying ammunition and other contraband. Many Americans protested that an unarmed and unresisting ship should not be sunk without first being warned and provided with safety for its passengers. -
Zimmermann Telegram
It was a telegram written by German Foreign Minister Zimmermann proposing an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the United States during World War I. The telegram was intercepted by the British, who gave it to American authorities. Americans were shocked by the publication of the Zimmermann note. -
Germany's Resumption of Unrestricted Submarine Welfare
Desperate German military leaders renewed unrestricted submarine warfare, hoping to end the conflict before the Americans could make a difference. -
US Entry
After the publication of the Zimmermann note Wilson no longer called for peace. On April 2, 1917, President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. Congress responded on April 6, 1917, with a declaration of war. The American entry into the war would played a key role in the Allied victory. To European leaders, the United States was a great unknown. U.S. troops helped reverse the German advance. They also helped protect convoys and boosted Allied morale. -
Effects of WWI
The war not only changed the economic and political lives of Americans, but it also brought substantial social changes. Though new opportunities opened up for women, African Americans, and Mexican American violence and racism still occurred. Also, the flu spread vigorously killing millions. -
Treaty of Versailies
The Treaty of Versailles brought World War I to an end. It ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was signed on June 28 ,1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The other Central Powers on the German side signed separate treaties. The armistice that ended the actual fighting took six months of Allied negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference to conclude the peace treaty. -
Dawes Plan and Young Plan
In 1924 the Dawes Plan was an attempt to solve World War I reparation problems with Germany. Germany had caused trouble in the Treaty of Versailles. Germany was required to pay 20 billion gold marks while the country was going through there own economy depression crisis. -
Great Depression
During the Roaring Twenties, many Americans enjoyed the era of success. Then in 1929 the market crashed due to the fact that during the 1920s, the rich became much richer, while industrial workers became less poor. This uneven distribution of the nation’s wealth created economic problems. The problem was that the wealthiest few did not buy enough to keep the economy booming. As production fell and unemployment rose, the U.S. economy fell into dramatic decline that affected millions of Americans. -
Rise of Hitler
After World War I, Germany's economy was in shambles & caused discontent. Hitler joined the Nazi Party the year it was founded and became its leader in 1921. He rose to a place of prominence by being one of the best speakers of the party. The group promoted German pride and expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. In 1933, he became chancellor of Germany and his Nazi government soon assumed dictatorial powers.
