- Background: The assassination is considered the immediate cause of World War I. Bosnia, with a significant Slavic population, was annexed by Austria-Hungary, creating tensions with Serbia, which sought independence for Slavs.
- The Black Hand Movement: A nationalist group in Serbia viewed as a terrorist organization by Austria-Hungary, aimed at achieving autonomy for Bosnia.
- Assassination Details:
- On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, visited Sarajevo.
- Six members of the Black Hand lined the route with plans to kill him.
- The first assassination attempt failed when one member, Cabrinovic, was captured after throwing a grenade.
- Gavrilo Princip, another member, seized an unexpected opportunity as the Archduke’s car took a wrong turn. He shot and killed both Ferdinand and his wife.
Austria-Hungary’s Reaction
- Ultimatum to Serbia (July 23, 1914): Austria-Hungary issued a series of demands, including:
- Suppression of anti-Austrian sentiments.
- Allowing Austrian officials into Serbia.
- Punishment of the Black Hand members.
- Prevention of arms smuggling across the border.
- Serbia’s Response: Accepted most demands but rejected the entry of Austrian officials, prompting Austria-Hungary to seek an excuse for war.
Escalation to War
- Support from Germany: Germany assured Austria-Hungary of support in the event of war.
- Russian Mobilization: To support Serbia, Russia ordered general mobilization on July 29, 1914.
Key Events Leading to War
- July 23, 1914: Austria sends an ultimatum to Serbia.
- July 28, 1914: Austria-Hungary attacks Serbia.
- July 29, 1914: Russia mobilizes its army.
- July 31, 1914: Germany demands Russian demobilization; Russia refuses.
- August 1, 1914: Germany declares war on Russia.
- August 3, 1914: Germany declares war on Belgium and France.
- August 4, 1914: Britain declares war on Germany.
- August 6, 1914: Austria declares war on Russia.
Germany’s War Strategy: The Schlieffen Plan
- Objective: Designed to quickly defeat France through Belgium before turning to Russia.
- Consequences: Germany’s invasion of neutral Belgium led Britain to declare war.
Reasons for the Schlieffen Plan’s Failure
- Unexpected Two-Front War: Belgium and France resisted effectively.
- Delays: Belgian sabotage of railways hindered German supply lines.
- Trench Warfare: Fighting in trenches prolonged the war.
- Quick Russian Mobilization: Russia invaded Germany sooner than expected.
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Context: Sarajevo, capital of annexed Bosnia, home to Slav people wanting independence from Austria-Hungary.
- Nationalism: Bosnian nationalists formed the Black Hand Movement to fight for autonomy.
- Assassination Attempt: On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip after failed earlier attempts.
Austria-Hungary’s Reaction
- Ultimatum to Serbia (July 23, 1914): Demands included suppressing anti-Austrian sentiment and allowing Austrian officials into Serbia.
- Serbia’s Response: Accepted most demands but refused free entry for Austrian officials.
Outbreak of World War I
- Escalation: Austria-Hungary’s dissatisfaction with Serbia’s response led to conflict.
- Mobilizations: Russia mobilized in support of Serbia, leading to Germany declaring war on Russia and later on Belgium and France, dragging in Britain.
Germany’s War Strategy
- Schlieffen Plan: Designed to quickly defeat France through Belgium.
- Consequences: Germany faced prolonged resistance, leading to trench warfare and eventual stalemate.