1. WW1 Immediate Cause

2. Explosive Material for WW1
By 1914, these 4 long term causes only required a spark to explode into open conflict
Militarism
Killing of Franz
Ferdinand
Alliances
First World War
Imperialism
Short term cause (The spark that set off the explosion)
Nationalism

3. Immediate Cause
With an analysis of our four long term causes now completed, lets look at the spark which triggered the First World War
The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914
Within a month following this assassination, all of the major countries of Europe would be at war.

4. 1914 July Crisis

5. 1914 July Crisis
The July Crisis 1914 refers to the series of events that occurred in the month immediately following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which led to the outbreak of war in Europe
The events of this crisis also illustrates the dangers associated with the system of alliances
Here’s a quick video on the events that transpired following Ferdinand’s death

6. June 28, 1914 - Archduke Franz Ferdinand is killed
1914 July Crisis
June 28, Archduke Franz Ferdinand is killed
The Austro-Hungarian (A-H) govt blamed Serbia for the archduke’s death & attempted to crush Serb nationalism
July 6 - The German government announces its full support for A-H if it decides to take reprisals against Serbia
July 23 - With the support of Germany, A-H sent the Serbian govt an ultimatum of 15 demands (A ultimatum is a demand by one govt that another govt accept its terms or face war)

7. July 26 - Russia promises to aid Serbia if it is attacked by A-H
1914 July Crisis
July 24 - The Serbian government appeals to Russia for help against the proposed attack by the A-H army
July 26 - Russia promises to aid Serbia if it is attacked by A-H
July 28 - Austria refused the Serbian reply to their ultimatum & attacked
July 31 - Russia mobilized its armed forces in support of Serbia. This includes sending troops to its borders with A-H & Germany

8. August 1 - Germany declared war on Russia
1914 July Crisis
August 1 - Germany declared war on Russia
August 3 - Germany declared war on France
August 4 - Germany marches into neutral Belgium in order to attack France
August 4 - Britain defends here 1839 treaty to protect Belgium and declared war on Germany
With Britain at war, Canada is at war!!!