BP 2 - The July Crisis

• What was the short-term trigger that transformed longstanding tensions into open warfare in 1914?

  The July Crisis of 1914
• What event initiated the July Crisis of 1914?

  The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian nationalist
• When was Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated?

  June 28, 1914
• How did Austria-Hungary view the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand?

  As an opportunity to crush Serbian nationalism and assert its dominance in the Balkans
• What action did Austria-Hungary take on July 23, 1914?

  Issued an ultimatum to Serbia
• What were the demands of the ultimatum issued by Austria-Hungary to Serbia?

  Serbia was demanded to take responsibility for the assassination and agree to a series of stringent demands
• What was Serbia's response to the ultimatum from Austria-Hungary?

  Serbia accepted most of the demands but rejected a few
• What was the consequence of Serbia's response to the ultimatum?

  Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914
• Why did the July Crisis escalate into a larger conflict?

  Due to the complex system of alliances
• Which country mobilized its army to defend Serbia?

  Russia
• How did Germany respond to Russia's mobilization?

  Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914
• What action did Germany take shortly after declaring war on Russia?

  Declared war on France
• Why did Britain declare war on Germany?

  Because Germany violated Belgium’s neutrality by launching an invasion through Belgian territory
• What were the key factors that led to the escalation of the July Crisis into World War I?

  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
  • Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia
  • Serbia's partial acceptance of demands
  • Russia's mobilization to defend Serbia
  • Germany's declaration of war on Russia and France
  • Britain's declaration of war on Germany due to violation of Belgian neutrality
• What did the July Crisis reveal about the alliance system?

  It demonstrated how the alliance system could turn a regional issue into a global conflict
• What role did nationalism play in the July Crisis?

  Nationalism drove Austria-Hungary's desire to suppress Serbian nationalism
• How did militarism influence the decisions of key powers during the July Crisis?


  It contributed to swift and aggressive military responses
• What concerns did Germany have regarding the potential for war?

  Germany was concerned about the possibility of a two-front war with France and Russia
• What did the July Crisis reveal about military preparations and diplomatic tensions?

  It showed how decades of military preparations and diplomatic tensions could explode into war once a spark was lit