THE ROAD TO WWI

Triple Entente (Allies) Russia France Great Britain (Italy) Serbia Central Powers Germany Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire (Italy) ALLIANCES

M = A= N= I= A=

PROBLEM WITH THE BALKANS The Balkans had continually been ruled by others (Austrians, Hungarians, Turks) Wave of nationalism that had swept over Europe was felt by the various Slavic groups in the Balkans Radicals  wanted a single nation (Yugoslav) Looked to Serbia as the center of this new nation Serbia believed it was its destiny to unite the Slavs at the expense of Austria

FIRST & SECOND BALKAN WARS 1911  Italy attacks the Ottoman Empire and gained Libya and the Dodecanese Islands This inspired the Balkans! 1912  Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, and Serbia attacked the O.E.  won Had a falling out with each other over Macedonia 1913  Serbia, Greece Turkey, Romania vs. Bulgaria  won back most of the land taken by Bulgaria

PRE-WAR TENSIONS Austria had restrained from an all-out attack on Serbia Russia was embarrassed when they once again let Austria have its way with Serbia Britain, France, Germany, and Italy all tried to restrain their allies but feared looking too reluctant in their support  allies now more reluctant to restrain them in the future…

SARAJEVO AND THE OUTBREAK OF WAR Nationalist group  The Black Hand (Union or Death) Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed  not a popular guy! All of Europe was outraged Austrians wanted war  hard to convince the Hungarians to agree Austrians turn to Germany  Germany encourages them to act while the European powers were still upset  hoped for a contained war

THE POINT OF NO RETURN Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia Germany pledged their support for Austria - Hungary Russia pledged their support for Serbia

Germany declares war on Russia France pledges their support for Russia Germany declares war on France Germany invades Belgium on the way to France Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany