1. How a single event triggered the start of WW1
The Powder Keg
How a single event triggered the start of WW1

2. Political Turmoil in Europe

3. Militarism
Policy of glorifying military power and keeping an army prepared for war
Connected to Nationalism and fueled by Imperialism

5. Assassination
June 28, 1914
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, and heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is assassinated
Assassin is Gavrilo Princep, one of six assassins of the Black Hand society
Assassins were acting with consistent motives of the Young Bosnia movement
Goal was to break up the Austria-Hungary empire so that some of the Balkan states could form their own country (Yugoslavia)
Princep is Serbian which caused an uproar

6. Aftermath
After a series of political disagreements, (known as the July Crisis) Austria-Hungary and Serbia go to war
Since most countries in Europe have already picked a side this sets off a chain reaction of declarations of war
USA decides to remain neutral but opens trade with countries on both sides of the conflict

7. Kaiser Wilhelm II 1859-1941 Last Kaiser (Emperor) of Germany
Was pompous and dramatic, not recognized as a strong military leader
Related to George V of England and Nicholas II of Russia (Cousins)
When the war was clearly lost he abdicated (renounced his throne) and fled to the Netherlands
German military strength along with the Schlieffen Plan nearly results in a swift victory for Germany

8. George V
Close relation to Kaiser Wilhelm was unpopular, which caused George to change the name of the British Royal House to Windsor
Many members of the extended royal family fought on the German side, which caused great rifts in the royal family
Great Britain has had a strong Navy historically, which continued during WW1
Germany is building up a Navy which puts Great Britain on edge. This combined with the invasion of Belgium results in declaration of war

9. tsar Nicholas II 1868-1918 Last Emperor of Russia
Nicknamed “Nicholas the Bloody” by his political enemies for his ruthlessness
His rule saw Russia decline from imperial strength into near political chaos
Abdicated his throne in as part of the Revolution, was executed along with his family in (Anastasia)

10. Georges Clemenceau 1841-1929 Democratically elected leader of France
Lost to Germany in the War of 1871, eager to get revenge. Has alliance with Russia for this reason
Strong anti-German sentiment leads to harsh measures in the Treaty of Versailles

11. Woodrow Wilson 1856-1924 28th President
Only US President to hold a PHD
Kept USA out of the war until unrestricted submarine warfare changed public opinion
Famous for his ideas for The League of Nations and Wilson’s 14 Points