L4: The Spark of War and The Causes of WWI Agenda Objective: To understand… 1.The immediate events leading to the outbreak of World War One. 2.The complex causes of World War One. Schedule: 1.Opening activity & note set up 2.Review of Europe The Immediate Events Leading to WWI 4.The Causes of WWI Homework 1.Have a great break—eat a lot and sleep a lot!!! 1.World War One Creative Project Due Tuesday 1/29

The Spark of War

Pan-Slavism and Slavic Independence In 1835 Serbia (populated by an ethnic group known as the Slavs) won its independence from the Ottoman Empire. However, a large number of Slavs were still living under the rule of Austria- Hungary. After the creation of Serbia, many Slavic nationalist groups were formed in Austria- Hungary. One of these groups, the Black Hand, advocated the use of violence and terrorism to liberate the Slavs from Austro- Hungarian rule. The desire for Slavic independence was the greatest threat to the stability of an already decaying Austria-Hungary

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand On June 28, 1914 a member of the Black Hand, Gavrilo Princip, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. Princip was arrested on the spot. Following his arrest, as well as the arrest of four conspirators, it was revealed that the government of Serbia had been complicit in the Black Hand’s planning and carrying out of the execution.

The Spark of War: Austria-Hungary Responds The first thing Austria-Hungary does after the assassination is consult with Germany. Why? Germany gives Austria-Hungary a “blank check”--Germany will give its full support to Austria-Hungary.

The Spark of War: Austria-Hungary Responds Austria-Hungary than issues an ultimatum to Serbia. In it, they demanded that Serbia allow Austria-Hungarian officials to investigate and punish the perpetrator of the assassination. Serbia does not respond. Rebuked, Austria declares war on Serbia.

Russia Responds Meanwhile, in Russia, the attitude among the people and the government were decidedly pro-Slavic and pro-Serbian. Russia began to mobilize troops to be ready for war in the event that Serbia rejected the ultimatum.

Austria-Hungary Declares War Spurred into confidence by the actions of the Russians, the Serbians promptly rejected the ultimatum and began to mobilize their troops. On July 28, 1914 (one month after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand) Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

War Begins Once this happens, the alliance system is triggered…. –Russia Prepares to defend Serbia against Austria. Expecting that Austria will be supported by Germany, Russia sends army to German border. –Germany Demands Russia leave its border. When it does not, Germany declares war on Russia. Fearing France will enter the war on the side of Russia, Germany declares war on France. Invades Belgium to start its attack on France. –Great Britain Fearing a German invasion of Belgium will threaten Belgium’s neutrality, Great Britain declares war on Germany. World War One begins!

War is Declared Throughout Europe! Austria Hungary declares war on Serbia  Germany declares war on Russia  Germany declares war on France & Belgium  Britain declares war on Germany  Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia.

Activation of the Alliance System

The Causes of World War One

Essential Question: To understand the causes of World War One, we have to solve a puzzle: –How was it that a single terrorist attack committed by a lone small-time criminal in a peripheral part of the world could led to the outbreak of World War One?

To solve this puzzle, and thus to understand the causes of World War One, we need to do some investigating… History Class!

Investigation Step One: The Assassination (The Crime Scene) What was the motive for the assassination? How would Austria-Hungary perceive/ interpret the assassination? Why do you think Austria-Hungary responded the way it did to the assassination? Why did Serbia respond the way it did?

Investigation Step Two: The Alliance System (The Accomplices) How would Russia view the attack? How would Germany view the attack? How do Britain and France view events? How does the existence of an alliance system lead to the outbreak of a world war?

Investigation Step Three: The Motives of the Great Powers (The M.O.) Based on our discussion so far, and what you learned last class from the presentations, generate a list of all of the reasons why each of the great powers are willing to go to war. Be specific! –In short, why would going to war be in their interest or protect their interests?

Closing the Case: The Causes of World War One Let’s solve the puzzle… How was it that a single terrorist attack committed by a lone small-time criminal in a peripheral part of the world could led to the outbreak of World War One?