Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina June 28, 1914 The Serbs have protested against Austria-Hungary since 1908, when the empire took over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Princip has been arrested. Today, Archduke of Austria-Hungary Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sophie, were murdered as they drove through Sarajevo. A nineteen-year-old Serb, Gavrilo Princip, jumped on the Archduke’s automobile and fired two shots. The first killed the Duchess. The second killed the Archduke, who was next in line to be emperor of Austria-Hungary.

WWI When the Archduke of Austria-Hungary was assassinated, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia sent troops to help support Serbia because they had similar ethnic backgrounds. They were both Slavic people (remember nationalism). Since Russia sent troops to support Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia. This began World War I.

World War I Alliances Countries created alliances with other countries to help defend themselves. An alliance is made when each member agrees to help the other members in case one of them is attacked. Why did they do this? –so other rulers would think twice before they declared war on them

World War I Alliances When Germany joined the war to support Austria-Hungary, France came to the aid of Russia. Germany then invaded Belgium, which was neutral, so they could attack France Great Britain had promised to protect Belgium, so they declared war on Germany

World War I Alliances The United States became involved when Germany sank four American merchant ships. They joined the side of Russia, France, and Great Britain.

World War I Alliances Central Powers –Austria-Hungary –Germany –Turkey –Bulgaria The Allies –Russia (dropped out of war in 1917 due to a revolution in their country) –France –Great Britain –Italy –United States (joined in 1917)

Results of World War I This war was costly in human lives. Nearly 22 million civilians and soldiers died and Europe was devastated. The war ended in 1918.

Europe After WWI After the war, people on both sides were poor, homeless, and without work. The Allies blamed Germany for the deaths and damage during the war. In 1919, Germany and the Allies signed the Treaty of Versailles. –The Treaty of Versailles demanded that Germany pay for the damages done to the Allied countries –Germany also had to give up valuable territory.

Europe After WWI Additional treaties changed the political boundaries of many European countries –Austria-Hungary was divided to become two separate countries. (Austria and Hungary) –this allowed other Eastern European ethnic groups to gain their independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire