The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Sarajevo, June 28 th 1914
What you will learn Who Franz Ferdinand was Why The Black Hand Society plotted to murder the Archduke The events which took place on 28 th June 1914 Austria-Hungary’s reaction to the Assassination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand fact file Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Visited Sarajevo in 1914 in an attempt to improve relations between the monarchy and the Bosnian people Unpopular due to his marriage to Sophie who was considered to be of lower class
Tensions in the Balkans Russia & Austria-Hungary wanted to control the Balkans Both wanted access to the Mediterranean Sea Austria-Hungary wanted to stamp out growing Slav nationalism Russia saw herself as protector of the Slavs 1908:Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia
Reactions to the annexation Bosnians angry: wanted freedom from Austria-Hungary to form a strong Slav state with Serbia Serbians concerned about Austria- Hungary’s aggression
The Black Hand Society Fierce Slav nationalists: hated Austria and prepared to kill for freedom Secret society with links to the Serbian government and army Goal: creation of a Greater Serbia "...before God, on my honour and my life, that I will execute all missions and commands without question. I swear before God, on my honor and on my life, that I will take all the secrets of this organization into my grave with me."
Saw opportunity to assassinate the future Emperor of Austria-Hungary 28th June 1914
The Assassination
Gavrilo Princip is arrested
The Austrian Ultimatum Austria-Hungary sent a 10- point ultimatum to Serbia Austria-Hungary was furious and accused the Serbian government of planning the assassination “Ultimatum”: a warning stating that unless someone meets your conditions you will take action against them
July 5 th – Austria are assured by Germany of support against Serbia July 23 rd - Ultimatum Sent to Serbia, Two demands are rejected July 29 th - Austria declares war on Serbia Serbia appeal to Russia for help July 30 th - Russia mobilises her army, Germany mobilises her army for war against Russia. Aug 1 st -Germany declares war on Russia, France mobilises her army.
Britain enters the War Germany had already planned to invade France through Belgium and Holland. Germany had already planned to invade France through Belgium and Holland. Britain had always been sensitive about Belgium as it was a small country with seaports very close to Britain. Britain had always been sensitive about Belgium as it was a small country with seaports very close to Britain. British policy was that no major naval power should be able to control Belgium British policy was that no major naval power should be able to control Belgium The Kaiser did not believe Britain would enter the war over Belgium. The Kaiser did not believe Britain would enter the war over Belgium.
Aug 3 rd – Germany declares war on France Aug 3 rd – Germany declares war on France August 4 th – Germany invades Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany August 4 th – Germany invades Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany The whole of Europe is plunged into war. The whole of Europe is plunged into war.
Naval Race The Alliance System Tensions in the Balkans Assassination at Sarajevo Kaiser Wilhelm II Recipe for war