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Bismarck Forges Early Pacts. Prussia’s chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck used war to unify Germany 1871 he declared Germany as a “satisfied power” and wanted to keep peace in Europe Viewed France as a threat, as redemption to the Franco-Prussian War Bismarck goal to isolate France.
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Bismarck Forges Early Pacts • Prussia’s chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck used war to unify Germany • 1871 he declared Germany as a “satisfied power” and wanted to keep peace in Europe • Viewed France as a threat, as redemption to the Franco-Prussian War • Bismarck goal to isolate France
Bismarck’s Plan • The way to beat France is to make sure France has no allies • Bismarck forms a duel alliance with Austria-Hungary and Germany 1879 • 1881, Russia signs a treaty with Germany pulling another country away from France • 1882, Italy joins the alliance and the three would be known as the Triple Alliance
Kaiser Wilhelm II • Kaiser Wilhelm II became ruler of Germany 1888 and forced out Bismarck by 1890 • Wilhelm did not want to share power with others • Show the strength of Germany • He let the treaty with Russia expire • Forced Russia to form an alliance with France
Kaiser Wilhelm II • He pushed for new ship building to have an equal navy to Britain • Great Britain becomes nervous and forms alliance or entente with France & Russia (Triple Entente) • Ensured Britain would not fight against the French or Russians • Triple Entente vs Triple Alliance
Crisis in the Balkans • Balkans was home to a variety of ethnic groups • New nations formed with the decline of the Ottoman Empire • Austria-Hungary was not happy with these new nations • 1908 Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia & Herzegovina • Tension with Serbia and Austria would continue to rise
The Shot heard throughout Europe • June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand & his wife Sophie went to Sarajevo (capital of Bosnia) • Both were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip (19 year old Serbian) • Black Hand (society to rid of Austrian rule) • Because the assassin was Serbian, Austria Hungary wanted to punish Serbia
War is Declared • July 23rd, Austria-Hungary gives Serbia an ultimatum • Serbia agrees to most of the demands but wants the few to be discussed at an international conference • Austria-Hungary declares war on July 28, 1914 • Russia moves troops to the Austrian border • Leaders from around the world urged for cooler heads, but it was too late