Pride and Fall: Mapping the Rise of Conflict in the 20th Century
The Central Powers, so named because of their central location on the European continent, initially consisted of Germany and Austria-Hungary and their associated empires. The Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers in October 1914, followed a year later by Bulgaria. The main antagonists of the global crisis, each had separate reasons for provoking conflict. Many had been encouraging war all along as a way to prove technological superiority in the years after the industrial revolutions of the 19th century. Though the leaders of Europe traded insults with each other on a regular basis, it was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, nephew of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austro-Hungary and heir to the throne, that culminated in war in June, 1914.
This exhibit follows the prideful rise of the European powers as well as their fall from grace before, during, and after World War I. Within the exhibit are various artifacts belonging to American and German soldiers, including the sword and helmet of Prince Heinrich of Prussia.
Photo gallery
This exhibit was currated by Wilson History and Research Center of Little Rock, Arkansas.
