Canada and World War 1

1. Canada and World War 1

2. The Beginning of WW1 June 28th, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was visiting the city or Sarajevo and was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. Ferdinand was Prince of Austria-Hungary His visit was controversial because Serbia claimed Bosnia as part of Greater Serbia (because most of Bosnia’s population was Serbian)

3. The Beginning of WW1 continued A Serbian national group, the Black Hand, marked him for assassination The first attempt to blow up his car failed GavriloPrincip rushed forward to shoot and kill Ferdinand and his wife This event triggered the war How did this relatively local event trigger a global conflict?

4. Background to the War At the beginning of the 20th century, much of eastern Europe was dominated by three weak empires. 1) Austro-Hungarian 2) Russian 3) Ottoman Many nationalities within these empires resented being under foreign control

5. Background to the War These nationalities wanted to maintain their cultural identity and the right to govern themselves When Austria-Hungary took control of Bosnia-Herzegovina the Serbs were outraged at being under foreign rule This sense of nationalism was a powerful force throughout Europe

6. Background to the War To reduce vulnerability from attack some countries formed alliances to strengthen themselves Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed the TRIPLE ALLIANCE France, Russia and Britain formed an opposing alliance called the TRIPLE ENTENTE

7. Background to the War Because the alliances were in place, the relatively local event of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was turned into much larger problem THE DOMINO EFFECT