1. The Great War Begins

2. Assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand
June 28, 1914 , Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian terrorist group, killed the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie.
This event triggered the start of WWI

3. Video Clip

4. Two Alliances Emerge
Alliance: a formal agreement between nations to come to aid and protect each other.
The Triple Alliance: Germany, and Austria-Hungary
The Triple Entente: France, Serbia, Great Britain and Russia

5. Imperial Rivalries Increase Tensions
Imperialism fueled tensions among European nations to have the most overseas colonies.

6. Militarism and Nationalism
Two other main causes of WWI …
Militarism: is the building up of one’s army in preparation for war.
This lead to arms race in which European countries increased the amount of money and resources they put towards building of new military weapons.
Nationalism: is extreme pride in one’s country.
This sentiment fueled France’s desire to regain control over Alsace and Lorraine and Russia’s loyalty to protect Serbia a Slav state.

7. How did Austria respond to the assassination of the Archduke?
Franz Joseph the leader of Austria, saw the assassination of his nephew/heir as an attempt to crush Serbia.
Austria gives Serbia an ultimatum: or a final set of demands. Serbia had to end all anti-Austrian agitation and punish any Serbian official involved in the murder plot.
Serbia does not agree to the ultimatum and on July 28, 1914, Austria declares war.

8. Alliances kick in…..
The triple alliance backs Austria-Hungary and the triple entente backs Serbia.
Italy decides to claim neutrality: a policy of supporting neither side in the war.

9. The Schlieffen Plan
The Schlieffen Plan was created by a German military general and was an attempt to avoid a two front war. Germany would attack France first and then once France was defeated they would attack Russia.