1.2 Assassination At Sarajevo Flashcards
What was the even that sparked off the First World War?
The murder of the heir to the the throne of Austria-Hungary: Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
How did Archduke Franz
Ferdinand die?
On Sunday 28 June 1914 he was visiting Sarajevo. His killers were students from a group called the Black Hand. They wanted to free all Slav people from Austro-Hungarian rule.
They shot him and his wife, Sofia, as they drove through the streets of Sarajevo.
How did Austria-Hungary react to this?
Austria-Hungary felt that it could not let the murder go unpunished. It seemed a perfect chance to attack Serbia. It would weaken the Slav nationalists who wanted to break up the Austrian Empire. It could also gain land in the Balkans for Austria-Hungary.
Who recommended war?
The Austrian foreign minister, Berchtold
Who’s help would Austria need to attack Serbia?
Germany’s help
What was Germany’s response to Austria’s proposal of war?
On 6 July, Germany encouraged Austria to go ahead. This was the key decision on the road to war.
When and what did Austria do before the war?
On 23 July 1914, Austria sent a protest to Serbia, making ten demands. On 25 July Serbia accepted all but one. Not satisfied, Austria send troops to the Serbian border.
Which country announced its support for Serbia?
Russia
Who asked for an international conference to sort out the crisis?
The British Foreign Secretary, Lord Grey
Despite the conference, what did Austria-Hungary do?
Supported by Germany, Austria-Hungary attacked Serbia on 28 July.
On 30th July, Russia ___________________________________
Mobilized its armies to protect Serbia
When did Germany declared war on Russia?
August 1st, and invaded France two days later.
What was Germany’s big fear?
Germany’s big fear was to fight Russia in the east and France (Russia’s ally) in the west at the same time.
What was Germany’s plan called?
Schlieffen plan
What was the Schlieffen plan?
First, a huge and rapid attack on France. Then turn their forces on Russia. This plan depended on an attack through Belgium. Any delay might ruin Germany’s chances.
