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WORLD WAR I

This article explores the nationalist uprisings, ethnic clashes, and tensions in the Balkans leading up to World War I. It focuses on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as the catalyst for the conflict, highlighting the implications and new alliances formed as a result.

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WORLD WAR I

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  1. 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. 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

  5. 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)

  6. The Assassin: Gavrilo Princip

  7. 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!

  8. 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

  9. 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

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