1. The Spark

2. Another Crisis in the Balkans
Recap—Austria Hungary and Serbia at odds about the creation of a Slavic Kingdom
Who does Russia support?
June 28, 1914
Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand (heir to the throne) and his wife are assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Assassin was a Bosnian activist (Gavrilo Princip) who worked for the Black Hand—a Serbian terrorist organization dedicated to a Slavic Kingdom.

4. Consequences Austria blames Serbia for the assassination
Excuse for Austria to use force against Serbia
Fearful of Russian support of Serbia, Austria seeks German support.
William II’s ‘Blank Check’—full support even if it meant war.

5. Diplomatic Crisis – tensions mounted
Austria Hungary issued ultimatum to Serbia– July 23, 1914
1. required Serbia to end all anti-Austria activities
2. dismiss all officials hostile to Austria Hungary
3. also Austria Hungary wanted to send officials to investigate assassination

6. Diplomatic Crisis – tensions mounted
Serbia w/ difficult decision:
Deny ultimatum and go to war
Accept ultimatum and lose independence
Serbia accepts all but investigation into death
This did not satisfy Austria Hungary – determined to punish Serbia

7. The Outbreak of War
July 28, 1914 – Austria Hungary declares war on Serbia
alliance system begins
Russia mobilizes army (July 31)
Germany asked Russia to cancel mobilization – or war would begin
Russia didn’t reply
Germany declared war on Russia (August 1)
Knowing France would join Russia – Germany declares war on France (August 3)
What problem does Germany have now that they have declared war on Russia and France?

9. The Great War Film