The July Crisis Viewing Questions

Key Events Leading to World War One

1. Assassination in June 1914:

   • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria at the end of June 1914 led to increased political and military tensions in Europe.

2. Age of Franz Ferdinand:

   • Franz Ferdinand was 50 years old during his visit to Sarajevo.

3. Reason for Franz Ferdinand's Visit:

   • The main reason behind Franz Ferdinand's visit to Sarajevo in June 1914 was to inspect the imperial armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

4. Assassination Group:

   • The group that planned to assassinate Franz Ferdinand was called the "Black Hand," a secret military society.

5. First Assassination Attempt:

   • The first assassination attempt on Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo failed. A bomb was thrown at his car but it bounced off the folded-down convertible roof and exploded behind him, injuring people in another car.

6. Successful Assassination:

   • Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were killed by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand, in Sarajevo.

Reactions and Escalations

7. European Reaction:

   • The assassination of Franz Ferdinand caused shock across Europe; countries were concerned and tensions escalated.

8. Austria-Hungary's Reaction to Assassination:

   • Austria-Hungary saw the assassination as an opportunity to attack Serbia, whom they blamed for supporting the Black Hand.

9. Concerns about Declaring War:

   • Austria-Hungary was concerned about Russia's support for Serbia and the possibility of Russia intervening.

10. Germany's Support:

    • Germany offered Austria-Hungary a "blank check" assurance of support, encouraging them to take a hard line against Serbia.

11. Russia's Response:

    • Russia began mobilizing its army in support of Serbia against Austria-Hungary's aggression.

12. Germany's Reaction to Russia:

    • Germany viewed Russia's mobilization as an act of war and subsequently declared war on Russia.

Wider Implications

13. Invasion of France through Belgium:

    • Germany planned to invade France through Belgium as part of the Schlieffen Plan, aimed at quickly defeating France before turning to Russia.

14. Britain's Involvement:

    • Britain became involved due to Germany violating Belgium's neutrality, which Britain was obligated to defend by treaty.

15. Consequences of German Invasion:

    • Germany's invasion of Belgium on August 4th led to Britain declaring war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War One.