1. “The Spark that Ignited the Keg”
WORLD WAR I
“The Spark that Ignited the Keg”

2. Crisis in the Balkans
As an example of nationalism (desire for an independent area where people share a common heritage)
The Balkans was known as the “powder keg” of Europe due to its nationalist uprisings, ethnic clashes, and the idea that it could blow at any moment

3. The Context
By early 1900s, the Ottoman Empire (included Balkans) was on rapid decline & areas were breaking free to form new nations (Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, & Serbia)
Serbia had a large Slavic population & wanted to free Slavs from Austria-Hungary’s rule
Austria-Hungary feared a Slavic rebellion

4. Austria-Hungary was supported by Germany
1908: Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia & Herzegovina which contained a large Slavic population
This angered Serbia
Russia, a mostly Slavic nation, & rival of Austria-Hungary, supported Serbian nationalism (independence for Slavs)
Austria-Hungary was supported by Germany
Austria-Hungary promised to crush any Serbian rebellion

6. The Assassination “the spark that ignited the keg”
June 28, 1914: heir (next leader) to the Austro-Hungarian throne – Archduke Franz Ferdinand & wife, Sophie, traveled to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia
Assassinated by the Black Hand (a secret society committed to ridding Bosnia of Austrian rule)

7. The Assassin: Gavrilo Princip

8. Implications of the Assassination
The assassin was a citizen of Serbia
Austria-Hungary wanted to punish Serbia for the attack & Germany promised to help Austria-Hungary (gave a “blank check”)
July 23, 1914: Austria gave Serbia a harsh list of demands
End all anti-Austrian activity
Austrian officials allowed to enter Serbia to investigate the assassination
OR ELSE!

9. Serbia wanted to negotiate (because Austria-Hungary was much stronger)
Austria-Hungary does not negotiate & declares war on July 28, 1914
Russia (Serbia’s ally) also took action by moving troops toward the Austrian border
 sets off a chain reaction of alliances & soon all of Europe would be at war

10. The New Alliances
Triple Alliance  Central Powers: Germany & Austria-Hungary (named for their location in the heart of Europe), then Bulgaria & Ottoman Empire join in hopes of regaining lost territories
Triple Entente  Allies: Great Britain, France, Serbia, and Russia, then Japan, Italy, US, and others also join