The Great War WWI

MAIN Reasons M – Militarism A – Alliances I – Imperialism N – Nationalism

Triple Entente – Britain, France, Russia Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy Jun 18, 1914 – Archduke Francis Ferdinand (heir to throne of AH) and his wife are assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia. 19 yr old assassin is member of Black Hand.

Germany gives AH a “blank Check” to handle the problem Germany gives AH a “blank Check” to handle the problem. They make strong demands of Serbia who refuses. AH declares war on Serbia. Russia backs Serbia. Germany warns Russia to back off and for France to remain neutral. Both refuse and war is declared.

Germany attacks France through Belgium which pulls Britain into the war. CENTRAL POWERS – Germany, AH, Bulgaria, & Ottoman Empire ALLIES – Britain, France, Russia, Japan, Italy