1. 1914-1918

2.  After the unification of Germany and the establishment of the second Reich in 1871, in means of domestic policy, Bismarck devoted the majority of his time as 1 st imperial chancellor to seek out and neutralize any enemies towards the Reich that might abate Germany’s new found supremacy. Otto Von Bismarck

3.  Conflict between the great powers of Europe and Germany was to be avoided  His first goal was to maintain Germany as a peaceful and friendly power as to gain trust and prestige from the powers of Europe.  He pinpointed France as the biggest enemy toward the Reich, as they were still hostile over the recent annexation of Alsace and Lorraine and so Bismarck focused on keeping France isolated.  He feared an alliance between France and Russia, because Germany would have to fight in two fronts.  Alliances and friendship with the Empires (Russia and Austria-Hungary), Italy (using a friction over Tunisia between them and France) and even Great Britain.

4. EUROPE 1890. Germany was surrounded by real an potential enemies so they needed the Bismarckian System to keep their position

5.  Wilhelm II had a plan called "Weltpolitik", which meant he wanted Germany to be a large, strong, and unbeatable empire in every possible way.  Bismarck was forced to resign in 1890. The German alliances started to crumble.  the Franco-Russian Entente was formed in 1891, and formalized as an alliance in 1894.  France broke its isolation.  Germany built a navy to dispute England the naval supremacy.  Italy abandoned secretely its alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary.  Europe was divided

7.  British and French Imperialism made newer countries such as Germany and Italy felt as if they had arrived late to “share” the Colonial World.  There were 2 crises in Morocco (1905 and 1911) Germany tried to use them to break the alliance between France and Britain.  Eastern Europe: The Ottoman Empire was disappearing and Austria and Russia were both wanted to control the zone. Russia supported Serbia and Bulgaria. Two crisis between 1908 and 1913. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/bosnian_crisis.htm http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/bosnian_crisis.htm

8.  The Archduke Franz-Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne was killed by a nationalist in Sarajevo. (June 14th)  An ultimatum was presented by the Austrian government to Belgrade on Thursday 23 July 1914. They blamed Serbian authorities and asked for compensations for the Prince’s death.  The Ultimatum meant that Serbia almost lost its independence but they conceded all the demands but one or two minor causes.  Austria declared war shortly after the Serbian response.

9. The Archduke and his wife shortly before their murder.

10.  Russia (Serbia’s ally) started movilising its troops.  Germany asked Russia to stop but they did not answered.  War was declared by Austria and Germany against Russia and France. They thought France would support Russia so it was better to attack quickly.  Great Britain waited but when Belgium was invaded they felt threatened enough to declare war to Germany.  Italy didn’t supported Germany and Austria.

11.  Western Front (France)  Secondary fronts (Russia, Mediterranean Front)  http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/ 648646/World-War-I/53116/The-initial-stages- of-the-war http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/ 648646/World-War-I/53116/The-initial-stages- of-the-war

12. Following the Schlieffen Plan Germany wanted a swift invasion of France to turn quickly against Russia, to avoid fighting in two fronts.

14.  Nearly a million of German soldiers invaded France through Belgium. They achieved a few swift victories but their advance was forced to a halt (battle of Marne).  After that both sides strengthen their positions building an extensive static line of fortifications (The trenches)

16.  Both sides attempted to break the stalemate in several offensives such as:  Battle of Ypres (1915)  Battle of Verdun (1916)  Battle of Somme (1916)  Each of these battles cost several hundred thousand lives none of them broke the stalemate.  Only after the arrival of the U.S. soldiers and the total suffocation of German economic capacity (due to the blockade) the Allies could broke the enemy lines and force Germany to ask for an armistice.

19.  Oriental Front: Despite the initial advances into Germany of the Russian Army, disorganization forced them to retire in to their own territory. Russia abandoned the war in 1917 due to the Soviet Revolution.  Other fronts:  Balkans: (Serbia vs. Austria, Bulgaria)  Alpine: (Italy vs. Austria)  Middle East and Turkey (Commonwealth vs. Turkey)

20. Entente powers

21. Central powers

23.  Result of the breakup of the Russian Empire between 1918 and  1919:  Azerbaijan.  Georgia.  Finland.  Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.  Poland.  Result of the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1919:  Austria.  Hungary.  Czechoslovakia (Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia).  Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Finally part of Yugoslavia alongside with Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia when they unificate in 1919 )