U.S.A.

Russia

China

India South

East Asia

Spain

France

Germany

Italy Greece

Austria-

Hungary

England

Other Causes of World War I

I. Outbreak of WarA. “The Serbian Problem”

1. Serbia wanted to create a large independent Slavicstate in the Balkans

a. Russia supported Serbia because they also had Slavs

b. Austria-Hungary was against because the Slavs in their country would want freedom

SLAVS are an ethnic group from Eastern Europe

ethnic groups: people who belong to a group that shares the same background and culture

II. Assassination in SarajevoA. Archduke Franz (Francis)

Ferdinand with his wife Sophie in Bosnia1. Heir to throne

B. The Black Hand

1. Serbian terrorist group wanted freedom for

Bosnia

2. Freedom from Austria-Hungary

to become part of Serbia

3. On June 18, 1914, Gavrilo Princip

killed Archduke and his wife

III. Austria-Hungary RespondsA. Austria-Hungary thought Serbian government was a part

of assassinationB. Austria-Hungary feared Russian intervention if they

attacked Serbia C. Austria-Hungary wanted Emperor William II of Germany

to approve attack against SerbiaD. Germany gave a “blank check” to Austria-Hungary

1. Full support even if it meant war with Russia

E. Austrian leaders sent ultimatum to Serbia on July 23rd

1. 10 extreme demandsF. Serbia agreed with most demands, rejected some to keep

sovereignty (power)G. July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia

IV. Russia MobilizesA. Russia supported Serbia

B. July 28th - Czar Nicholas II ordered army to mobilize against Austria-Hungary

1. In 1914, this was an act of war

process of assembling troops and supplies to get ready for war

V. The Conflict BroadensA. German government warned

Russia it must stop mobilization B. Russia ignored warningC. Schlieffen Plan

1. German plan for a two-front war with France and Russia

a. Would hold off Russia2. Most of German army quickly attacked France by

going through Belgiuma. Belgium was a neutral country

D. Great Britain declared war on Germany for attacking Belgium

1. If Austria-Hungary won the war, that would hurt Great Britain

a. Another powerful empire as competition