1. Immediate Causes of WWI

2. The “July Crisis” of 1914

3. Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Heir to the Austro- Hungarian throne
Husband to Sophie
Was on official visit to Sarajevo- capital of Bosnia

4. Archduke Franz Ferdinand
28 June assassinated
Wife also killed
Shot by Gavrilo Princip
Franz Ferdinand Video

5. Gavrilo Princip 19 years old
Terrorist with the Serbian Black Hand movement
Objective: Slavic unification from Austria-Hungary into a Greater Serbia
More on Princip’s Fate

6. Serbian Motivation Immediate aims unclear
Serbian government involvement also unclear
Head of Black Hand = Colonel in Serbian general staff

7. Initial Response Austria hesitates at first
Attack could prompt Russian mobilization
Sought assurance of support from Germany

8. German Response 5 July 1914- “Blank Check” Days of restraint were over
Kaiser’s guarantee of unconditional support
Days of restraint were over

9. In-Class Activity
Complete document analysis
Be prepared to discuss

10. Contribution of European Powers to The Outbreak of War

11. Germany The “blank check” of July 5th
Possibly misread Russian involvement
Support to Austria to avoid being crushed by Entente
Violated Belgium neutrality

12. Germany Generals believed it to be a favorable time for war
Create unity & distract from social ills
Schlieffen Plan
Engage France
Britain must be brought in

13. Austria-Hungary Exaggerated Serbian threat
Determined to make war
Delayed response to assassination
Contributed to crisis further
Serbian ultimatum (July 24)
Response conciliatory
War declared July 28; claimed to late to stop

14. Russia No attempt to restrain Serbian nationalism Supported Serbia
Deepened conflict
Mobilization triggered general European war

15. France Hesitant to get involved/engage in provocation
Russian mobilization w/out consultation
Germany declares war on France- Aug. 3
Swept into war

16. Britain Divided over engagement with Germany
Sir Edward Grey calls for war; led to criticism
Public outcry after violation of Belgium neutrality
Treaty of 1939
Still no clear position during July Crisis

17. Homework Instructions
Read Causes of Great War Historiography
31-34 (Rogers)
Complete student study section
Due Wed. 10/11