1. What was the spark that starts WWI ?
CRISIS IN THE BALKANS
What was the spark that starts WWI ?

2. Powder Keg of Europe
1800s: Most of the Balkans in S. Europe was controlled by Ottomans
Austria-Hungary controlled rest incl. Bosnia (Northern Balkans)
1910: most countries in Balkans won their independence (during era of Nationalism) from the declining Ottoman Empire
No way!
Serbia wants to unite all Slavic- speaking Balkan countries into one nation
Russia, who was also Slavic speaking supports Serbia
Fearing revolutions in their other territories Austria-Hungary opposes Serbia

3. 1908: Austria-Hungary officially annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina, to prevent these areas from joining with Serbia
Serbs vow to take these areas away from A-H
A-H vows to crush any Serbian effort to take this territory
Despite warnings that Bosnia is a “powder keg”, the Austrian Archduke visits Sarajevo
June 28th, 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sofia are assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia
They are killed by a Serbian Nationalist named Gavrilo Princip
Princip was a member of an underground nationalist group called Black Hand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand Hapsburg arrives in Sarajevo, Bosnia

4. PRINCIP CAUGHT! Black Hand Franz Ferdinand’s Funeral WAR!
Since the assassin is Serbian, A-H wanted to punish Serbia
A-H presents a list of demands to Serbia, Serbia agrees to most
A-H did not want negotiate further & declares war on Serbia
Russia, an ally of Serbia begin mobilizing troops
Britain, Italy & Germany ask Austria-Hungary & Russia to negotiate
No negotiations! Because of alliance treaties most of Europe will be dragged into the Great War!