The Start of the Great War Bosnia and Serbia The Assassination that Triggered the War Austria Declares War on Serbia The Consequences of Austria’s Declaration of War

Bosnia and Serbia Greece Ottoman Empire Serbia Bosnia Serbia gained independence from the Ottoman Empire on June 28, 1912. But Bosnia, home of many Serb nationals, was controlled by Austria-Hungary. The Balkan Peninsula

The Assassination that Triggered the War Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria-Hungary and heir to the throne of the empire. He came to Sarajevo, Bosnia, with his wife. They were celebrating their anniversary.

Serbians wanted national unity. Gavrilo Princip was a member of a radical nationalist group of Serbians called “Unity or Death,” also known as “The Black Hand.” Using a pistol, Princip assassinated Franz Ferdinand and his wife as they rode in the back of a car. Clockwise from top: Seal of the Black Hand Gavrilo Princip The Arrest of Princip

Austria Declares War on Serbia Austria issued the “July Ultimatum” demanding that Serbia bring all the assassins to justice and end all anti-Austrian activities. Serbia refused to accept all of the conditions. Kaiser Wilhelm II supported Franz Joseph I of Austria. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia supported the Serbians. On July 28, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia. Ultimatum: Final demand Serbia Wilhelm II of Germany Franz Joseph I of Austria Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

The Consequences of Austria’s Declaration of War Tsar Nicholas II of Russia Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria Serbia Support Declare War START France Belgium England FINISH