1. The Shot That Started WWI
The July Crisis
The Shot That Started WWI

2. The Lead-Up
Tensions had been rising in Europe as nations attempted to gain more territories and strengthen their positions
Several small conflicts/events had occurred and been peaceably resolved, but every time, one or both parties had been unhappy with the outcome
Many nations were facing difficulties that they felt could be resolved favourably through war
Europe was a “powder keg” waiting for a spark

3. A Web of Alliances Triple Entente France Russia
Britain (they were not 100 % guaranteed to support Russia or France)
Triple Alliance
Germany
Austro-Hungary
Italy (only agreed to defend the others if they were attacked)
Other Alliances
Britain and Belgium (to defend Belgium’s neutrality)
Russia and Serbia
Triple Alliance and the Ottoman Empire (alliance was formed after the war began)

4. The Balkan “Powder Keg”
The Balkans consisted of several small
nations, some independent and some
that were controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire
A growing desire for independence from the Empire created unrest in the area as Austro-Hungary tried to keep control
Some of the free nations, chiefly Serbia, promoted these independence movements, despite warnings from Austro-Hungary
Russia had historically been prominent in Balkan affairs and wanted to maintain its influence in the region. It had a mutual defence treaty with Serbia
There was great tension in the Balkans as each Empire and nations tried to gain some advantage over the others.

5. Arch-Duke Ferdinand & His Wife
The Spark!
Gravilo Princip (assassin)
On June 28, 1914, Arch-Duke Francis Ferdinand (heir to the throne of Austro-Hungary) was assassinated in Bosnia by a Serbian terrorist named Gravilo Princip
This provided the Austro-Hungarian Empire a chance to crush Serbia and gain a tighter control over the Balkans
The Austro-Hungarians accused the Serbian government of killing Ferdinand and prepared to invade Serbia
Arch-Duke Ferdinand & His Wife

6. Seems like a “Stand-off”
Austro-Hungary (A-H) threatened to invade Serbia unless she bowed to their will
Russia was committed to defending Serbia in the event of an invasion
Germany had an alliance with A-H and assured them they would support them 100% against Russia (the “blank cheque)
Russia also had an alliance with France, which meant that if anyone attacked Russia, then France would be at war with the attackers

7. The Schleiffen Plan
Germany always feared being divided in a “two front war” against Russia and France
They devised a battle plan that (in theory) would allow them to quickly defeat France first so they could focus on Russia
This plan involved a quick and massive attack towards Paris through the neutral country of Belgium
Unfortunately for Germany, Britain had a treaty with Belgium, guaranteeing they would defend them if someone violated their neutrality
The Germans firmly believed that Britain would not go to war over “a piece of paper”

8. The “Powder Keg” Explodes
Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, declared war on Serbia.
The Russians, defending Serbia, declared war on Germany/A-H.
In order to avoid a two-front war, Germany attacked both France and Russia (who were allies).
Following the Schleiffen Plan, Germany moved her army through Belgium, violating Belgian neutrality
In response, Britain declared war on Germany and A-H

9. The Events Ferdinand Assassinated June 28, 1914
Germany grants Austro-Hungary “Blank Cheque” to deal with Serbia
Austro-Hungary demands Serbia obey her
July 23, 1914
Austro-Hungary declares war on Serbia
July 28, 1914
July 31, 1914
Russia Mobilizes
Germany & France Mobilize
August 1, 1914
British warning to Germany regarding Belgian Neutrality
August 3, 1914
Germany invades Belgium and the war begins!
August 4, 1914

10. The War Begins!
While the July Crisis and the resulting invasions of Serbia and Belgium started the war, many of the major nations were eager to fight
Each nation had objectives which they felt would be best accomplished through armed conflict
All of the major nations believed that the war would be quick, easy and end in their favour – They were ALL wrong!

11. Objectives
Germany
To increase its empire and to dominate Continental Europe.
Austria-Hungary
Capture and control the small Balkan states that threatened its border and created ethnic unrest inside the Empire.
Britain
Protect Belgian neutrality, protect its Empire and prevent Germany from controlling a larger share of Continental Europe
Russia
Maintain a strong role in Balkan affairs and increase feelings of nationalism and loyalty to the Tsar.
France
Protect its borders, regain lost territory from Germany (Alsace/Lorraine) and prevent Germany from becoming a greater power in Europe.

12. When Britain declared war on Germany, her entire Empire was immediately at war as well. This meant that Canada was now at war with Germany and the other Central Powers