2. II. Crisis in the Balkans

3. A. “Powder Keg of Europe” 1878 – Serbia becomes an independent country Wanted to unite all Slavs and create a Greater Serbia Russia, mostly a Slavic state, supported this Austria-Hungary fears it

5. B. Shot Heard Around Europe Archduke Francis Ferdinand (June 28, 1914) – Heir to Austrian throne and wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo Gavriolo Princip – Was the assassin Black Hand – Secret society committed to ridding Bosnia of Austrian Rule

7. Gavriolo Princip

8. Archduke Francis Ferdinand Assassination Video

9. Austria accuses the Serbian government of being involved Use murders as an excuse to punish Serbia “Blank Check” – Wilhelm II gave Austria complete German support

10. July 23, 1914 – Austria presented Serbia with an ultimatum Serbia realized that refusing to meet these demands would lead to war Serbia agrees to follow all demands except one

11. July 28, 1914 – Austria rejects Serbia’s offer and declares war Same day Russia sends troops to Serbia August 1, 1914 – Germany, Austria- Hungary’s ally, declares war on Russia

13. C. Schlieffen Plan August 3, 1914 – Germany also declares war on Russia’s ally France Alfred Graf von Schlieffen – German General developed a plan for fighting a two-front war (1905) Schlieffen Plan – Germany would quickly defeat France then defeat Russia

14. Schlieffen Plan

16. D. Great Britain Enters War France’s boarder with Germany was heavily guarded Germany marched through neutral Belgium to attack France August 4, 1914 – Outraged by the violation of Belgium neutrality, Britain declares war on Germany

18. E. Europe Takes Sides Central Power – Germany, Austria- Hungary –Later joined by Bulgaria & Ottoman Empire Allied Powers – Great Britain, France, and Russia –Later joined by U.S.A., Japan, & Italy

19. The Alliance System Triple Entente: Triple Alliance:

20. Two Armed Camps! Allied Powers: Central Powers: