The Assassination at Sarajevo and the Outbreak of World War I

Tension in the Balkans

  • Increased Balkan tensions post-1908 due to territorial disputes and wars.

  • Serbia emerged as a leading power following conflicts in the region.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

  • Archduke visited Sarajevo on June 28, 1914; assassinated by Gavrilo Princip of the Serbian "Black Hand".

  • Initial reactions varied; Serbia shown as delighted while Austria-Hungary saw it as an outrage.

Austrian Response

  • Austria-Hungary delayed response despite the assassination.

  • Ambiguity about Russian support for Serbia led to caution in Austria's actions.

  • Kaiser advised Austria to act decisively against Serbia, assuring support from Germany.

The Ultimatum

  • July 23: Austria issued a deliberately harsh ultimatum to Serbia, ensuring rejection.

  • July 28: Austria declared war on Serbia; Russia began mobilization in support of Serbia.

Escalation of War

  • August 1: Germany declared war on Russia after warning Tsar to cease mobilization.

  • France mobilized in response; Italy chose neutrality.

  • August 3: Germany declared war on France; August 4: Germany invaded Belgium, prompting British involvement.

Involvement of Other Nations

  • Britain declared war after Germany ignored Belgian neutrality.

  • Italy joined the Allies in 1915; Central Powers included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria.

  • Japan and China also entered the conflict later on, with the U.S. joining by 1917.