What new types of weapons were first used in World War I? Airplanes, submarines, machine guns, tanks, and poison gas.

Discussion  Why might Germany have been an influence on the political position of Austria-Hungary? Germany shared a large border with Austria, and its military might have posed a great threat.

Discussion  According to the special cable, what might this have had to do with the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand? The assassination of the archduke, who was a strong leader, opened his country to German influence.

Discussion  Why might the author of the special cable have feared for the security of the Balkans following the assassination? If Austria-Hungary came under German control, Germany would then be on the doorstep of the Balkan countries.

Answers for Step Into the Place  The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand encouraged the Austrians to retaliate against Serbia, ally with Germany, and begin a large-scale European conflict involving Russia and its allies.

Step Into the Time  Europe planned for a swift, short, and decisive conflict. Instead, it engaged in a prolonged, static, global war, bringing in Japan and the U.S. on the side of the Allies and the Ottoman Empire on the side of the Central Powers.

Discussion  When was the Archduke assassinated? June 1914

Discussion  When did Germany declare war on Russia? August 1914

Discussion  What happened the same year the peace conference at Brest- Litovsk opened? The Russian Revolution began; U.S. entered World War I.

Answers for Step Into the Time  There was fear in Europe that Austria would retaliate against the Serbs for the assassination and that retaliation would plunge the Balkans, if not all of Europe, into conflict.