1. The Start of the Great War
Bosnia and Serbia
The Assassination that Triggered the War
Austria Declares War on Serbia
The Consequences of Austria’s Declaration
of War

2. Bosnia and Serbia
Greece
Ottoman Empire
Serbia
Bosnia
Serbia gained independence from the Ottoman Empire on June 28, 1912.
But Bosnia, home of many Serb nationals, was controlled by Austria-Hungary.
The Balkan Peninsula

3. The Assassination that Triggered the War
Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria-Hungary and heir to the throne of the empire.
He came to Sarajevo, Bosnia, with his wife.
They were celebrating their anniversary.

4. Serbians wanted national unity.
Gavrilo Princip was a member of a radical nationalist group of Serbians called “Unity or Death,” also known as “The Black Hand.”
Using a pistol, Princip assassinated Franz Ferdinand and his wife as they rode in the back of a car.
Clockwise from top:
Seal of the Black Hand
Gavrilo Princip
The Arrest of Princip

5. Austria Declares War on Serbia
Austria issued the “July Ultimatum” demanding that Serbia bring all the assassins to justice and end all anti-Austrian activities.
Serbia refused to accept all of the conditions.
Kaiser Wilhelm II supported Franz Joseph I of Austria.
Tsar Nicholas II of Russia supported the Serbians.
On July 28, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia.
Ultimatum: Final demand
Serbia
Wilhelm II of Germany
Franz Joseph I of Austria
Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

6. The Consequences of Austria’s Declaration of War
Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany
Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria
Serbia
Support
Declare War
START
France
Belgium
England
FINISH