1. “The Great War”
Or, "Some damn foolish thing in the Balkans,” (says Otto Von Bismarck) that sets off WWI!

2. Question of Alsace-Lorraine?
Disputed territory between France and Germany
Led to the creation of alliances

3. Two Alliances lead to war…
Triple Alliance
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Italy
Triple Entente
France
Great Britain
Russia

4. The Spark that sets off the Powder Keg!
June 28, 1914
Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist, assassinates Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary!

5. The Archduke and his wife Sophie arrive in Sarajevo
                              

6. So here we go… Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
Russia gathers troops to declare war on Germany and defend their ally, Serbia.

7. And then…
Germany declares war on Russia and France, since France supported Russia’s actions!
Germany invades NEUTRAL Belgium on August 4, 1914 (King Albert, Belgium)

8. There’s more…! Great Britain enters for Allies to defend Belgium
British Prime Minister Asquith

9. The Opposing Sides Central Powers The Allied Powers Germany
Austria-Hungary
Turkey
Bulgaria
And all their allies and colonies!
The Allied Powers
Britain
France
Russia
Italy (switches sides here!)
And all their allies and colonies!

10. Where’s the U.S.A.? Staying outta this one! (Well, trying to…)
But FAVORING their friend Great Britain!
US President Woodrow Wilson declares NEUTRALITY
MAP p. 455! p. 779 for the water.