The Shot That Started WWI The July Crisis The Shot That Started WWI

The Lead-Up Tensions had been rising in Europe as nations attempted to gain more territories and strengthen their positions Several small conflicts/events had occurred and been peaceably resolved, but every time, one or both parties had been unhappy with the outcome Many nations were facing difficulties that they felt could be resolved favourably through war Europe was a “powder keg” waiting for a spark

A Web of Alliances Triple Entente France Russia Britain (they were not 100 % guaranteed to support Russia or France) Triple Alliance Germany Austro-Hungary Italy (only agreed to defend the others if they were attacked) Other Alliances Britain and Belgium (to defend Belgium’s neutrality) Russia and Serbia Triple Alliance and the Ottoman Empire (alliance was formed after the war began)

The Balkan “Powder Keg” The Balkans consisted of several small nations, some independent and some that were controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire A growing desire for independence from the Empire created unrest in the area as Austro-Hungary tried to keep control Some of the free nations, chiefly Serbia, promoted these independence movements, despite warnings from Austro-Hungary Russia had historically been prominent in Balkan affairs and wanted to maintain its influence in the region. It had a mutual defence treaty with Serbia There was great tension in the Balkans as each Empire and nations tried to gain some advantage over the others.

Arch-Duke Ferdinand & His Wife The Spark! Gravilo Princip (assassin) On June 28, 1914, Arch-Duke Francis Ferdinand (heir to the throne of Austro-Hungary) was assassinated in Bosnia by a Serbian terrorist named Gravilo Princip This provided the Austro-Hungarian Empire a chance to crush Serbia and gain a tighter control over the Balkans The Austro-Hungarians accused the Serbian government of killing Ferdinand and prepared to invade Serbia Arch-Duke Ferdinand & His Wife

Seems like a “Stand-off” Austro-Hungary (A-H) threatened to invade Serbia unless she bowed to their will Russia was committed to defending Serbia in the event of an invasion Germany had an alliance with A-H and assured them they would support them 100% against Russia (the “blank cheque) Russia also had an alliance with France, which meant that if anyone attacked Russia, then France would be at war with the attackers

The Schleiffen Plan Germany always feared being divided in a “two front war” against Russia and France They devised a battle plan that (in theory) would allow them to quickly defeat France first so they could focus on Russia This plan involved a quick and massive attack towards Paris through the neutral country of Belgium Unfortunately for Germany, Britain had a treaty with Belgium, guaranteeing they would defend them if someone violated their neutrality The Germans firmly believed that Britain would not go to war over “a piece of paper”

The “Powder Keg” Explodes Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, declared war on Serbia. The Russians, defending Serbia, declared war on Germany/A-H. In order to avoid a two-front war, Germany attacked both France and Russia (who were allies). Following the Schleiffen Plan, Germany moved her army through Belgium, violating Belgian neutrality In response, Britain declared war on Germany and A-H

The Events Ferdinand Assassinated June 28, 1914 Germany grants Austro-Hungary “Blank Cheque” to deal with Serbia Austro-Hungary demands Serbia obey her July 23, 1914 Austro-Hungary declares war on Serbia July 28, 1914 July 31, 1914 Russia Mobilizes Germany & France Mobilize August 1, 1914 British warning to Germany regarding Belgian Neutrality August 3, 1914 Germany invades Belgium and the war begins! August 4, 1914

The War Begins! While the July Crisis and the resulting invasions of Serbia and Belgium started the war, many of the major nations were eager to fight Each nation had objectives which they felt would be best accomplished through armed conflict All of the major nations believed that the war would be quick, easy and end in their favour – They were ALL wrong!

Objectives Germany To increase its empire and to dominate Continental Europe. Austria-Hungary Capture and control the small Balkan states that threatened its border and created ethnic unrest inside the Empire. Britain Protect Belgian neutrality, protect its Empire and prevent Germany from controlling a larger share of Continental Europe Russia Maintain a strong role in Balkan affairs and increase feelings of nationalism and loyalty to the Tsar. France Protect its borders, regain lost territory from Germany (Alsace/Lorraine) and prevent Germany from becoming a greater power in Europe.

When Britain declared war on Germany, her entire Empire was immediately at war as well. This meant that Canada was now at war with Germany and the other Central Powers