Intro to World War I 1914-1918

Eastern Europe Most of eastern Europe had formed alliances with one another Many colonies had been formed in Eastern Europe, drawing outside forces into the tension

The Political Environment The small nation of Bosnia was annexed by growing European power Austria-Hungary Many Bosnians felt that they should be allied with the nation of Serbia, with whom they shared more of a culture Many Europeans were concerned about the growing power of Austria-Hungary, and their principal ally, Germany Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia, on June 28, 1914

The Assassination After annexing Bosnia, The heir to the Austrian throne, The Archduke Franz Ferdinand, made an official state visit to their new territory There to welcome his new subjects to the empire Many didn’t appreciate the visit 1st attempt in the parade Terrorist bomb that injured two officers in another rear Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophia were unharmed Continued the parade and visit

The Assassination After visiting wounded soldiers in local hospitals, The Archduke’s car was intercepted by another terrorist, Gavrilo Princip, who fired two shots. The first hit Princess Sophia in the stomach, killing her almost instantly The second hit the Archduke in the chest. He died shortly after Princip was arrested, but the damage had been done

The Response Sensing the unrest, the Austrian government sent troops to keep the people under control This began the activation of several different alliances that would draw most of the world into what would be call “The Great War”

4 Causes of World War I While Princip’s actions triggered the series of actions, the causes of the war were more profound: Imperialism: the expansion of nations through the acquisition of territory and political influence Militarism: The aggressive expansion of military powers by several nations in the area Nationalism: the pride of a [people in their heritage, history and culture Alliances: The promise among nations to aid in the defense of each other in the event of an attack

Austria Declares War Feeling that the Serbs were behind the assassination of the Archduke and terrorism activities in Bosnia, Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914 The invasion of Serbia by the Austrians started a chain of events that spiraled out of control

The Snowball In response to the declaration of war by Austria led to the mobilization of Serbia’s main ally, the Russians Mobilization: preparing for war In response, Austria's main ally, Germany, demand that the Russians stand down, which they refused to do, so Germany began to mobilize In response to Germany’s mobilization, France began to mobilize…

World War I Europe

Timeline July 28: Austria declares war on Serbia August 1: Germany declares war on Russia and France Schlieffen Plan: Attack and destroy France quickly and then concentrate on the Russians August 4: Britain declares war on Germany Central Powers vs. The Allies Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary Allies: Russia, France, Serbia, Great Britain

A New Kind of War New Weapons New tactics Machine guns Chemical Warfare Tanks Aircraft New tactics Trenches Guerilla warfare

Chlorine Gas at work

Victim of a mustard gas attack

Weapons of World War I

Weapons of World War I

The Schlieffen Plan Fails After Smashing Belgium, the German advance into France was stopped at the Marne River Met a combined French and British forced settled into trenches Were able to force the Germans entrench themselves, creating a stalemate Stalemate – situation where neither side is able to gain an advantage