World War I ~ Lesson 1 The Road to World War I
|
Europe is a small continent. The countries of Europe had nowhere to expand in 1914. Germany especially wanted to make a bigger place for itself in the world. At this time the leader of Germany was Kaiser Wilhelm II. He thought of making Germany the ruler of all Europe. |
|
Allies and Central Powers in the First World War August 4, 1914 (At
this stage allies were Serbia, Russia, France and Britain and
the
Allies
Allied Colonies, Dominions or Occupied Territory
Central Powers
Central Powers' Colonies or Occupied Territory
|
Russia was the largest nation of Europe. Its ruler was Czar Nicholas II. Nicholas was a weak ruler.
France had been beaten by Germany in the War of 1871. France had to give two parts of her nation, Alsace and Lorraine, to Germany. This caused the French to hate the Germans.
Germany thought the French might attack her, so Germany formed an alliance with Italy and Austria-Hungary. In an alliance, one nation helps another in time of war. France knew of this alliance and made an alliance with England and Russia. Soon nation after nation joined one alliance or the other for their protection.
| One of President Wilson's close advisors, Colonel William House, visited Europe. He told Wilson that war was close. |
|
