Outbreak of War Flashcards

All 11 cards in this deck

What was Slav nationalism in the Balkans?

The belief that Slav peoples should be united and free of foreign rule; Serbia's ambition to unite the South Slavs, including those ruled by Austria-Hungary, threatened the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Who was Archduke Franz Ferdinand and what happened to him in 1914?

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne; he was assassinated in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.

Which group was responsible for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

The Black Hand, a Serbian nationalist group; the assassin was Gavrilo Princip.

What triggered the conflict in the short term during the July Crisis of 1914?

The Austrian ultimatum to Serbia, which Serbia did not fully accept, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia.

How did the assassination of Franz Ferdinand escalate into a European war?

Austria declared war on Serbia; Russia mobilised to support Serbia; Germany then mobilised and declared war on Russia, and on France.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

Germany's plan to avoid a two-front war by defeating France quickly through Belgium, then turning to fight Russia.

Why did Britain declare war on Germany in August 1914?

Germany invaded Belgium under the Schlieffen Plan, breaking the long-standing agreement by which Britain guaranteed Belgian neutrality.

True or false? The assassination of Franz Ferdinand was the long-term cause of the First World War.

False. It was the short-term cause or trigger; it set off long-term causes such as rivalry between the powers and war plans like the Schlieffen Plan.

Which treaty had guaranteed Belgium's neutrality?

The Treaty of London (1839), signed by the great powers including Britain and Prussia.

Which demand in Austria-Hungary's July 1914 ultimatum did Serbia reject?

Letting Austro-Hungarian officials take part in Serbia's own investigation and punishment of those behind the assassination. Serbia accepted almost all the other demands.

When did Germany declare war on Russia and on France?

On Russia on 1 August 1914, after Russia mobilised; on France on 3 August 1914.