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Questions and Answers
What event in Sarajevo in 1914 triggered the First World War?
Which country was a latecomer seeking to expand its power, leading to tensions with other Great Powers?
Which two groups were part of the Triple Entente alliance?
What upset Russia and Serbia leading to rising tensions with Austria-Hungary?
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Which alliance included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy?
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What did Austria-Hungary decide to do in response to the assassination in Sarajevo?
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What was a major factor that led to significant wealth but also stark inequalities and tensions in Europe during the late 1800s?
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'Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the killings' mainly because of:
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Why did Germany pledge its support to Austria-Hungary?
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What was the reason behind István Tisza, Hungarian Prime Minister, insisting on an ultimatum to Serbia instead of a declaration of war?
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What delayed the Austro-Hungarian mobilization process during the crisis?
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Who condemned Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia and suggested mediation talks?
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What action did Russia take in response to the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia on July 24?
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Why did Germany demand Russia cease mobilization and ask Austria-Hungary to prepare for operations?
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'King George called on the Tsar to end mobilization' - Which country's leader took this action?
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'The war resulted in roughly 20 million deaths' - What do historians continue to debate?
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What was one of the main concerns about the crisis in Europe mentioned in the text?
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What was Germany's primary motivation for supporting Austria-Hungary?
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Study Notes
- The First World War, caused by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie in Sarajevo in 1914, resulted from a complex series of events rooted in long-term tensions and alliances in Europe.
- Industrialization and urbanization in Europe during the late 1800s led to significant wealth but also stark inequalities and tensions that ruling groups tried to manage through nationalism and imperial expansion.
- Germany, a latecomer to the European imperial scene, sought to assert itself and expand its power, leading to tensions with other Great Powers.
- Great Power rivalries and alliances, including the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain), heightened tensions and created a dangerous web of alliances.
- Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia from the Ottomans in 1908 upset Russia and Serbia, leading to conflict in the Balkans and rising tensions between Austria-Hungary and Russia.
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist in 1914 triggered the July Crisis, with Austria-Hungary blaming Serbia for the killings and Serbian responses escalating tensions.
- Austria-Hungary decided to punish Serbia with military action, but risked conflict with Russia and needed Germany's support.
- Germany, seeking to protect its interests and avoid being isolated, pledged its support to Austria-Hungary, potentially leading to a larger conflict involving multiple European powers.
- The complex web of alliances and tensions in Europe made the outcome of the crisis uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a local war to a full-scale continental or even world war.- The Austro-Hungarian war against Serbia could lead to a localized conflict or a continental war against France and Russia, including Britain.
- Germany felt pressed to act against Russia due to the growing power of the rival alliance and the risk of defeat.
- Austria-Hungary planned its next step, but many were hesitant due to the potential increased tensions and the need for a united front.
- István Tisza, Hungarian Prime Minister, insisted on delivering an ultimatum to Serbia instead of declaration of war.
- Crafting the ultimatum took time and was not the only delay in the process; Austro-Hungarian troops were on leave during the harvest and mobilization took two weeks.
- The French and Russian leaders met in St Petersburg during the crisis to discuss their alliance and understanding with Britain.
- Austria-Hungary waited until the French leaders were at sea to send the ultimatum to Serbia, making it unacceptable and triggering a wave of diplomatic activity.
- The Entente Powers condemned the ultimatum and suggested mediation talks, but Berlin refused.
- The Tsar ordered partial mobilization on July 24 and began calling up reservists, supplies, and promoting officers.
- Vienna had a blank cheque from Berlin to initiate war against Serbia, and the ultimatum was drafted to ensure Serbia would reject it and war could be declared.
- Belgrade rejected some demands in the ultimatum, such as allowing Austro-Hungarian officials to prosecute Serbian citizens, leading to the outbreak of war on July 28.
- The Russian military leaders opposed partial mobilization and instead recommended full mobilization, as one army's mobilization would lead to pressure from neighboring powers.
- Germany demanded Russia cease mobilization, but also asked Austria-Hungary to prepare for operations against Russia, and asked for neutrality from Britain, France, and Belgium.
- King George of Britain called on the Tsar to end mobilization and the British government declared war on Germany for its invasion of Belgium.
- Historians continue to debate the origins of the war and who was at fault, with various interpretations blaming the actions of different powers.
- The war lasted for over four years and resulted in the deaths of roughly 20 million people, with debates about its origins and responsibility still ongoing.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the causes of World War I, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, great power rivalries, alliances, and the complex web of tensions in Europe that led to the outbreak of the war in 1914.
