The First World War Part 2: The War Begins

Balkan Peninsula Unstable, weak Convenient corridor to Mediterranean for Russia, Austria- Hungary, or Ottoman Empire Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, Bulgaria all interested, too.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Next in line for Austrian crown Married to Sophia, a countess and duchess

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Diplomatic trip to visit Sarajevo June 28, 1914 Ceremonial “inspection of the troops”

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Fourteenth wedding anniversary Rode together in royal splendor Treated like royalty ar.com/video/ferdinand. htmhttp:// ar.com/video/ferdinand. htm

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Group of seven Ages 19 to 27 Members of secret Serbian nationalist movement Mlada Bosna “Young Bosnia”

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Despite heavy security measures Archduke and his wife shot Both die

After the Archduke’s death Archduke assassinated June 28, 1914 Serbia is blamed. July 5, 1914: Germany supports Austria-Hungary against Serbia July 23 rd – Austria-Hungary threatens Serbia

And then?? July 25 th – Serbia attempts peaceful resolution July 28 th – Austria- Hungary declares war on Serbia July 30 th – Russia rushes to support Serbia

The War Grows… July 30 th – Russia mobilizes to help its ally Serbia July 31 st – Germany demands “Stop helping Serbia!” August 1 st – Germany declares war on Russia

On the same day… August 1 st France moves to support its ally Russia Germany signs treaty of alliance with Turkey Italy declares itself “neutral.”

The next day…August 2nd Germany invades Luxembourg Demands to enter Belgium, which is neutral Belgium says, “NO.”

It keeps on growing and growing! August 3 – Germany declares war on France August 4 – Germany invades Belgium on the way to France Britain enters to safeguard Belgian neutrality

It’s a World War August 6 th – Austria- Hungary declares war on Russia August 12 th – France and Britain declare war on Austria-Hungary

By Mid-August of 1914 Central Powers are at war with the Allies Thought it would be a “quick war” Central Powers – land war advantage RR’s – move troops and supplies Allies – divided by English Channel Russia – poor roads and RRs Italy – neutral until joining Allies in 1915

The Plan Germany plans quick defeat of France Then would attack Russia Would avoid heavily fortified French border Would attack Belgium August 14 th, 1914

Belgian Strength Not strong, but held Germans back Until British and French troops could move in and assist Stopped Germans at Marne River – first battle Turning point Germans could have won a “quick war” there, but failed

War becomes a STALEMATE Along Marne River – Western Front Neither side could move 600 miles along Belgian and French countryside How did they fight there?

In the Trenches Both sides built trenches all along Western Front Separated by coils of barbed wire “No Man’s Land” Fought in trenches THREE YEARS straight

What was it like in the trenches ? Cold and wet Constant wet boots – mud Trench foot Rats VERY uncomfortable Also scary and dangerous

Battle of Verdun Started Feb 1916 Lasted the rest of 1916 Fought in trenches French lost 540,000 Germans lost 430,000 Unbelievable losses Little progress toward peace