World War I - Notes II "The Spark"

a lot of dates -- bare with me, and select "answer with definition"

Conflicts arising in which region leads to the beginnings of the World War?

Balkans

What were the Balkans known as?

The “Powder Keg” of Europe

Largest ethnic group in the Balkans (as of early 1900s) AND the majority of the Austria-Hungarian population

Slavs

Did the Slavs share equal rights with the Austrians and Hungarians?

No

In Austro-Hungarian state did Slavic nationalism run especially high?

Bosnia and Herzegovina

What did the Slavic nationalists want?

To join with the Slavic nation of Serbia

Who partially supported the Slavic nationalists?

Czar Nicholas II of Russia (supported their idea, but was not prepared to militarily help them against the Triple Alliance)

What advice did the Czar give to the A-H Slavs, in which they did not heed?

To accept the status-quo

What happened on June 28, 1914?

The Austria-Hungarian emperor’s nephew (and heir to the throne) — Archduke Franz Ferdinand — traveled to the very Slavic area of Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Why did Archduke Ferdinand and his wife go to Sarajevo?

To deliver news to the people: they were planning give voice to the Slavs (equal to that of the Austrians and Hungarians)

During the Sarajevo parade for Archduke Ferdinand, how many assassins were stationed along the route to kill the Archduke?

7

What was the Serbian nationalist group that the assassins were part of?

Black Hand (aka. The Union of Death)

In the parade, after the car with the Archduke takes a wrong turn, what happens?

The Archduke and his wife were killed by 19-year-old Gavrilo Princip

On July 23, 1914, what is the ultimatum that Austria-Hungary gives to Serbia?

To allow Austro-Hungarian officials into Serbia to investigate the murder OR to face war with A-H.

How many hours did Serbia have to reply to Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum?

48

How did Serbia reply to A-H’s ultimatum?

Rejection

What happened on July 28, 1914?

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia

What were the efforts of both allied sides in Europe, prior to war?

To push the other to the brink of war, as an attempt to make the other back down

Which nation was the first to react after A-H declared war on Serbia?

Russia.

( July 30, 1914: Czar Nicholas II began to mobilize troops against A-H and Germany)

What does Austria-Hungary do on July 31, 1914?

Mobilize against Russia

What was the ultimatum Germany gave to Russia?

Cancel mobilization or face war with Germany

What was the ultimatum Germany gave to France?

France had 18 hours to decide if they were to be neutral or enter the war.

How did Russia and France respond to the ultimatums from Germany?

They did not respond

What does Germany do on August 1, 1914?

• Declares war on Russia

• Marches into Luxembourg

• Demands that Belgium gives Germany free passage into France

Does Belgium accept Germany’s demands?

No; Belgium asked Great Britain for help

What does Germany do on August 3, 1914?

• Declares war on France

• Invades Belgium

• Refuses Great Britain’s ultimatum to withdraw from Belgium

What is Great Britain’s ultimatum to Germany?

To withdraw from Belgium or face war with Great Britain

Events of August 4, 1914

• Great Britain declares war on Germany

• Alliances caused a small war between A-H and Serbia to escalate into World War I