1. Aim: Summarize the events that set World War I in motion

2. Crisis in the Balkins 1907: two rival camps existed in Europe
Triple Alliance: German, Austria, Italy
Triple Entente: Britain, France, Russia
Dispute between 2 rival powers could draw all the nations of Europe into war
Dispute more likely to occur on the Balkan Peninsula
Southeastern corner of Europe
Home to assortment of ethnic groups
With long history nationalist uprisings & ethnic clashes, Balkans known as “Powder Keg” of Europe 2

3. A Restless Region People’s had formed new nations
Early 1900’s: Ottoman Empire which included Balkan region was in decline
Others had already succeeded in breaking away from the Turkish rulers
People’s had formed new nations
Included Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, & Serbia
Each longed to extend its borders
1908: Austria annexed (took over) Bosnia & Herzegovina
Were 2 Balkan areas with large Slavic populations
Serbian leaders were outraged
Tension between Serbia & Austria steadily rose 3

4. A Shot Rings Throughout Europe
June 28, 1914: Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife went to Sarajevo, Bosnia
Royal couple were shot as they rode through the streets
Assassin was a 19-year-old Serbian
Because the killer was Serbian, Austrian decided to use the murders as an excuse to punish Serbia
Austria was in no mood to negotiate
July 28, Austria declared war
Leaders over Europe took notice
Fragile European stability was ready to collapse into armed conflict
Machinery of war had been set in motion 4