At the beginning of the 20th century, much of Eastern Europe was dominated by three weak and crumbling empires

At the beginning of the 20th century, much of Eastern Europe was dominated by three weak and crumbling empires:

• At the beginning of the 20th century, much of Eastern Europe was dominated by three weak and crumbling empires:

• The Austro-Hungarian

• The Russian

• The Ottoman

Many nationalities within these empires resented being under a foreign power, and wanted to be independent.

• Many nationalities within these empires resented being under a foreign power, and wanted to be independent.

• Austria-Hungary took control of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and many Serbs were outraged.

• The Serbs had loyalty towards their own country/culture, a deep sense of nationalism.

• As tension grew throughout Europe, countries formed alliances with other countries to protect themselves.

The Triple Alliance=

• The Triple Alliance=

• Germany + Austria-Hungary + Italy

• France felt threatened, so they created

• The Triple Entente=

• France + Russia + Britain

• Aka the Allies

Militarism: massive build up in armaments and armies, preparing for war.

• Militarism: massive build up in armaments and armies, preparing for war.

• Countries expanded their armies trying to maintain a balance of power.

• Germany and Britain were racing to create the strongest navy. This led to the creation of the HMS Dreadnought (the largest battleship ever).

Meanwhile, Imperialism (The acquisition of overseas territories) was occurring throughout Africa, which was rich in gold, diamonds, and ivory.

• Meanwhile, Imperialism (The acquisition of overseas territories) was occurring throughout Africa, which was rich in gold, diamonds, and ivory.

• European countries often challenged each other on these issues

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, was visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia. This was a very controversial visit.

• On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, was visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia. This was a very controversial visit.

• Bosnia was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but Serbia had claimed it was a part of “Greater Serbia,” because the majority of its population was Serbian.

• A Serbian nationalist group “The Black Hand” had marked him for assassination.

• After one failed attempt, member Gavrilo Princip shot and killed Franz and his wife. This event marked the first major event in WWI, and escalated into global conflict.

Franz Ferdinand’s official German name was:

• Franz Ferdinand’s official German name was:

• Franz Ferdinand Karl Ludwig Josef von Habsburg-Lothringen, Erzherzog von Österreich-Este

Countdown to WWI

• 1. Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated by the Black Hand while visiting Bosnia.

• 2. Blank Cheque:

• Germany tells Austria-Hungary to deal with the situation using whatever means are necessary.
• Germany assumes Britain will remain neutral

• 3. Austria-Hungary prepares for war

• 4. Ultimatum: Austria tells Serbia to hand over its terrorists (i.e. Black Hand)

• 5. Serbia’s Reply: Accepts most conditions. Seeks clarification.

• Austria sees this reply as a rejection
• Austria uses this “rejection” as an excuse to declare war on Serbia

Countdown Continued…

• 6. Russia tells Serbia to fight back using what ever means are necessary

• Russia thinks that Germany might be trying to take over Balkans
• Russia also mobilizes to strike at Germany

• 7. Germany declares War on Russia

• This draws France into the battle.

• 8. Germany declares War on France!

• 9. Schlieffen Plan - Germany’s plan to:

• prevent a two front War
• attack France through Belgium. Defeat the French and then move east to attack the Russians who would be slow (6 weeks) to respond to the attack on France.
• Belgium’s neutrality was protected by Britain.

• 10. Plan backfired - Britain declares War on Germany because they entered neutral Belgium

• WORLD WAR I (“The Great War”) Begins.

With conflict already happening in Europe, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the spark that ignited the fire.

• With conflict already happening in Europe, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the spark that ignited the fire.

• Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the death of Franz Ferdinand, and eventually declared war on Serbia.

• Because Russia was Serbia’s ally, they mobilized their troops.

• Because Germany was Austria-Hungary’s ally, they mobilized their troops.

• Within weeks, Britain had declared war on Germany when Germany invaded Belgium.

Militarism: Countries were building their armies, preparing for war.

• Militarism: Countries were building their armies, preparing for war.

• Alliance: Each nation signed treaties to defend one another if one country is attacked.

• Imperialism: Acquisition of outside territories caused conflict.

• Nationalism: Pride and patriotism in one’s nation, caused international tension.

Triple Entente (Russia, France, Britain)

• Triple Entente (Russia, France, Britain)

• became known as the Allies

• vs.

• Triple Alliance – Central Powers

• (Germany and Austria-Hungary)

• **Italy was a part of the triple alliance but did not join the war at first

What really started the war?

• What really started the war?
• What was the role of nationalism in starting the war?
• How were countries dragged in to the conflict?

Reasons for

• Reasons for

• Reasons against