Chapter 28-2 Notes
Terms to know:
ultimatum
mobilization
People to know:
Francis Ferdinand
Gavrilo Princip
William II
Nicholas II
Background Info: Although many countries in Europe were enjoying
economic prosperity, military buildups increased tensions amongst the
countries.
Trouble in the Balkans (741-743)
- On June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the AustroHungarian emperor, and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo by
members of a secret Serbian nationalist group called the Black Hand.
- Although the assassination had not occurred in Serbia, AustriaHungary held the Serbs responsible. Germany assured AustriaHungary that it would give its full support to any actions taken against
Serbia.
- On July 23, Austria-Hungary gave Serbia an ultimatum: to cooperate
in an Austria-Hungarian investigation of the assassination or face war.
Serbian leaders, outraged, rejected the demand; Austria-Hungary
responded by declaring war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
A European War (743)
- Believing falsely that the other side would back down at the last
moment, the major European powers pushed each other to the brink of
war.
- Russia immediately announced its support for Serbia. On July 30,
Czar Nicholas II ordered a general mobilization of his armed forces
against both Austria-Hungary and Germany.
- On July 31, Germany ordered Russia to cancel its mobilization order
or face war. After France gave support to Russia, Germany declared
war on both countries.
- Germany hoped that Britain would stay neutral. When Germany
invaded the neutral country of Belgium over British objections,
however, Britain was forced to declare war on August 4, 1914.