The World War Begins

Major Alliances in WWI

European nations were expanding in the late 19th-early 20th centuries to grow their empires

Many European nations formed alliances during this time

The Triple Alliance

• Otto Von Bismark, who feared France would try to take back parts of Germany after he unified it, wanted allies
• 1881 Germany allies with Austria-Hungary and Italy to form the Triple Alliance
• *Italy could back out if others were belligerants

The Triple Entente

• Britain concerned with rivals in the colonies
• Allies with France first (1904) and then Russia (1912).

In 1908, Austria-Hungary Annexes Bosnia after the First Balkan Crises

This angered Serbia (close geographically as well as ethnically to Bosnia).

First Balkan Crises

• 1908 Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia
• This angers Serbia (which is close geographically and ethnically to Bosnia)
• Serbia has no other support to take back Bosnia; they stay mad for a few year
• Russia also salty; look weak to the "west" for not securing Bosnia

Assassination of the Archduke

• June 28, 1914 The Austrian heir to the throne (The Archduke Franz Ferdinand) and his wife are assassinated by a Serbian terrorist group: The Black Han

The "Blank Check"

• Austria-Hungary asks Germany for support to fight against Serbia
• Kaiser WilhelmII of Germany issues a "blank check" to Austria-Hungary stating they would support a fight against Serbia, so long as Austria-Hungary acted quickly

Meanwhile in Russia:

Russia

• Russia not officially allied with Serbia, but had a close relationship (sought influence there)
• Russia also mobilizing troops ready to fight anyone (

The July Crises

• July 28, 1914:Austria-Hungary gives Serbia and ultimatum: let them investigate the terrorist groups, and stop anti-AH propaganda in Serbia: 48 hours to respons
• Serbia does not Agree; formally allies with Russia.

Austria-Hungary declares war against Serbia on July 28th 1914

The Alliances fight

• August 1: Germany declares war on Russia
• August 3: Germany declares war on France and invades Belgium.
• August 4: Britain declares war on Germany
• October 29: Turkey enters on Germany's side
• May 1915: Italy declares war on Germany and Austria

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