Beginning of WWI

I. Background Many groups in the Balkans began to have nationalistic feelings and want freedom from the Ottoman Empire, which was declining. Austria, backed by Germany, had a small Slavic population and felt threatened by Serbia, which was backed by Russia. In 1908, Austria-Hungary annexed, or took over, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Slavic) –Serbian leaders were outraged Austria-Hungary vowed to crush any Serbian effort to undermine their authority in the Balkans

Question At this point, which two countries is this conflict between? –Austria and Serbia

II. The Assassination Archduke Franz Ferdinand took the Austro- Hungarian throne June 28, 1914, the Archduke and his wife paid a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia They were assassinated by a member of the Black Hand (Gavrilo Princip), which wanted Austria out of the Balkan peninsula. Because the assassin was Serbian, Austria- Hungary decided to use the murder as a way to punish Serbia

“Don’t die darling, live for our children” - His dying words to his wife

Gavrilo Princip

III. Ultimatum On July 23, Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with an ultimatum –Serbia agreed to most of the demands –However, Austria was in no mood to negotiate –July 28, Austria declared war –On that same day, Serbia’s ally, Russia, mobilized troops towards the Austrian border Leaders all over Europe were alarmed, and urged negotiation, but it was too late

Question At this point, which two countries is this conflict between? –Austria and Serbia Does any other country have any business in this conflict at this point? –No

IV. MAIN The four main causes of WWI are: –Militarism Countries building up standing armies –Alliances Tangled web of alliances –Imperialism Countries competing for overseas colonies –Nationalism Nations that want to be free from others’ control

Prediction Make a prediction about what is going to happen next in your notebook. Be more specific than “war.”