ASSASSINATION OF FRANZ FERDINAND Archduke Franz Ferdinand was

ASSASSINATION OF FRANZ FERDINAND • • Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the next in line to be the leader of Austria had annexed Bosnia, which upset the people of Bosnia, who wanted independence from Austria; also many Serbians lived in Bosnia

ASSASSINATION OF FRANZ FERDINAND • • • Ferdinand wanted to visit Bosnia to try to gain the support of the people there A terrorist group from Serbia known as the “Black Hand” saw this as an opportunity to assassinate Ferdinand While riding in his car, Ferdinand was shot and killed by Gravilo Princip

ASSASSINATION OF FRANZ FERDINAND • Three days later, Austria declared war on Serbia. Germany allied with Austria. Russia allied with Serbia. • The countries who had built up their empires and militaries could not avoid the war (Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia)

The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Austria blamed Serbia for Ferdinand’s death and declared war on Serbia. Germany pledged their support for Austria -Hungary. Russia pledged their support for Serbia.

The Point of No Return: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Germany declares war on Russia. France pledges their support for Russia. Germany declares war on France. Germany invades Belgium on the way to France and opens up the western front. Great Britain supports Belgium and declares war on Germany.