1. What was the spark that starts WWI ?
CRISIS IN THE BALKANS
What was the spark that starts WWI ?

2. Powder Keg of Europe
The Balkans region of So. Europe was controlled by two empires
Austria-Hungary controlled the north & Ottomans controlled the rest
1800s: Various ethnic groups were having nationalist revolutions
By 1910 most of those countries won their independence from the declining Ottoman Empire
Serbia wants to unite all Balkan countries into one nation (most are Slavic speaking)
No way!
Russia, who was also Slavic speaking supports Serbia’s idea
Out of fear they would lose territory, Austria-Hungary opposes Serbia

3. 1908: Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina, to prevent these areas from joining with Serbia
Serbs vows to take these areas away from A-H
A-H vows to crush any Serbian effort to take this territory
Balkans are a “powder Keg”. Despite warnings, the Austrian Archduke (Prince), visits Sarajevo, Bosnia
June 28th, 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofia are assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia
They are killed by a Serbian Nationalist named Gavrilo Princip.
Princip was a member of an underground nationalist group called Black Hand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand Hapsburg arrives in Sarajevo, Bosnia

4. CAUGHT! Black Hand Franz Ferdinand’s Funeral WAR!
Since the assassin is Serbian, A-H wanted to punish Serbia
A-H presents a list of demands to Serbia, Serbia agrees to most
A-H did not want negotiate further & declares war
Russia, an ally of Serbia orders their troops to the Austrian border
Britain, Italy & Germany ask Austria-Hungary & Russia to negotiate
No negotiations! Because of the alliance treaties most of Europe could be dragged into the Great War!