Europe Plunged Into War
***June 28, 1914*** Archduke Franz Ferdinand
is assassinated by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip. Spark that started WWI.
Austria-Hungary
Makes the First Move
--AH sent Serbia a deliberately harsh ultimatum that if not met would end negotiations and
lead to war. Had 48 hours to respond.
1.
Serbia was to stop all anti-Austrian activity.
2.
Serbia gov’t would have to allow Austrian officials in to investigate the murder.
--Serbian leaders sought to meet Austria’s
demands. Regardless, AH wanted to punish Serbia. “Serbia must learn to fear us again.”
--July 28, 1914—Austria declared war on Serbia with Germany’s support.
Kaiser doesn’t want to get involved unless other powers (i.e. France
and Russia) side with Serbia.
Russia Mobilizes Quickly
--Russia
supports Serbia. Slavic brothers and sisters.
--Russia needs many weeks to moilize—to get army into position for war. Had few rr in Russia
and a very large army.
--Russia moves its army towards the Russian Austrian border. Expecting Germany to
join AH they mobilize along the German border also.
--CZAR tells the kaiser it’s only
a precaution. Germany
sees this as a declaration of war. AUG. 1, Germany
declares war on Russia. 2 days later, Germany declares war on France.
The Great Powers Took Sides
Germany
faces a two-front war—France on the west and Russia on the east.
Schlieffen Plan—lightening quick
attack against France, then go over to Russia before their large army is able to mobilize.
--Speed was vital. Germany wanted to get to France
by going through Belgium. Belgium neutral so
they refused. Germany ignored
the refusal, and went through Belgium
anyway. Great Britain declares
war on Germany
MID August 1914
CENTRAL POWERS—Austria Hungary,
Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria
Allied Powers—Great Britain, France,
Russia, and Italy
The German Army Invaded France
--1.5 million Germans met about same #
of French and British soldiers. Battle
line known as Western Front.
--Germans pushed back French forces. Sept. 2, French were pushed back to the outskirts of Paris. Germany on the brink of victory.
--Problems arise for Germany. Russia is mobilizing very quickly. German high command sent thousands of soldiers east. Weakened
the German forces in France.
Allies Strike Back
--9/6/14—Allies attacked the Germans
at the Marne River. German advance stopped dead. 9/12/14
German generals give orders to retreat.
--Schiefflen Plan is in ruins. Quick victory no longer possible. Long war on two fronts for
Germany.
