Today we are going to continue learning about the causes of World War 1...but what does Wile E. Coyote have to do with World War 1? Let’s see if we can find out.

What was the single event that started World War 1? Today’s Aim

We have already learned the main causes of World War 1 Militarism: The large European countries began to build large armies--especially Germany. Alliances: a system of agreements between countries that would obligate one country to defend another (I’ve got you back!!). Imperialism: European countries were competing to build colonies throughout the world--especially in Africa and Asia. Nationalism: A strong love of country and willingness to sacrifice and even die for it.

4 Those were the main causes...but what was the single event that started the war? The Single Event!

5 The Alliances 5 In the middle... a group of countries called THE BALKANS Bosnia, Hercegovina, Serbia and others

Both sides wanted to control THE BALKANS If the Triple Entente controlled The Balkans, they would be surrounded Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy did not want to be surrounded Central Powers or Triple Alliance: Germany Austria- Hungary Italy Triple Entente: Russia France Britain

That’s why The Balkans were known as the Powder Keg of Europe Gun Powder Keg

Any event could ignite the POWDER KEG ANY EVENT COULD LEAD TO WAR! Gun Powder Keg

9 That event happened in JUNE Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, members of the Austria-Hungary royal family, were assassinated while visiting Bosnia in The Balkans.

10...and just like Wile E. Coyote touching a match to his rocket...

11 The Powder Keg Explodes 11 Archduke Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated in The Balkans

12 Within days Austria-Hungary blames Serbia for the assassination and prepares to invade. Germany backs Austria-Hungary. Russia declares its support for Serbia Germany declares war on Russia. Germany invades France through Belgium. Britain backs Belgium and declares war on Germany.

13 WORLD WAR 1 BEGINS

What was the single event that started World War 1? Today’s Aim The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife.

Summary The Balkans ✔ Both the Central Powers (sometimes called the Triple Alliance) and the Triple Entente wanted control. ✔ Known as the “Powder Keg of Europe” because any event there could start a war. The single event that started of World War 1 ✔ The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife in The Balkans