1. Aim: Describe the reaction to Austria’s declaration of war

2. Setting the Stage for War Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war against Serbia set off a chain reaction within the alliance system Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war against Serbia set off a chain reaction within the alliance system Countries of Europe followed through on their pledges to support one another Countries of Europe followed through on their pledges to support one another As a result, nearly all of Europe soon joined what would be the largest, most destructive war the world had yet seen As a result, nearly all of Europe soon joined what would be the largest, most destructive war the world had yet seen

3. The Great War Begins In response to Austria’s declaration of War, Russia, Serbia’s ally began moving its army toward the Russia-Austrian Border In response to Austria’s declaration of War, Russia, Serbia’s ally began moving its army toward the Russia-Austrian Border Expecting Germany to join Austria, Russia also mobilized along the German Border Expecting Germany to join Austria, Russia also mobilized along the German Border August 1, Germany declared war on Russia August 1, Germany declared war on Russia Russia looked to its ally France for help Russia looked to its ally France for help Germany also declared war on France Germany also declared war on France Great Britain declared war on Germany Great Britain declared war on Germany

4. Nations Take Sides Mid-August 1914: Battle lines drawn Mid-August 1914: Battle lines drawn On one side was Germany & Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, & the Ottoman Empire On one side was Germany & Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, & the Ottoman Empire Known as the Central-Powers Known as the Central-Powers On the other side were Great Britain, France, Russia, Japan & Italy On the other side were Great Britain, France, Russia, Japan & Italy Known as the Allied Powers (Allies) Known as the Allied Powers (Allies) By late summer, millions of soldiers marched off to battle By late summer, millions of soldiers marched off to battle