Other Causes of World War I I. “The Serbian Problem” A. Serbia wanted to create large independent Slavic state in the Balkans 1. Russia supported Serbia – common Slavic background 2. Austria-Hungary against - Slavs in A-H would want sovereignty

SLAVS are an ethnic group from Eastern Europe

* ethnic groups: people who belong to a group that shares common place of origin and culture

** the words “slave” & Slav have the same origin, as many Slavs had been sold into slavery by conquering people

I. “The Serbian Problem” A. Serbia wanted to create large independent Slavic state in the Balkans 1. Russia supported Serbia – common Slavic background 2. Austria-Hungary against - Slavs in A-H would want sovereignty

WE INTERUPT THIS HISTORY TO BRING YOU MORE HISTORY The (Great) Pig War Pig War (June - October 1859) • Confrontation between U.S. and Great Britain – Which nation controlled San Juan Island • British set up a sheep farm • Americans settled the land – American farmer shot a pig that belonged to an Irishman that worked for the sheep farm • British threatened to arrest the American • Americans requested military back up • British sent three warships – Ordered to attack but refused because it was foolish • Commanders on both sides ordered soldiers to defend themselves but not to fire first shot • When news reached capitals, governments decided to settle through arbitration by Wilhelm I (Germany) – Decided in favor of U.S. • There were no casualties during this War… unless, of course, you count the pig Oops, I mean the other Pig War… • Serbia maintained close relations with the Austro-Hungarian Empire • 1903: military coup • New government more nationalist – Friendly relations with Russia Pig War (1906 – 08)

• Between Austria-Hungary and Kingdom of Serbia • Serbia attempted to build economic and political relations with other countries to break ties with Austria – Austrian goods became more expensive in Serbia • Austria refused to import pork from Serbia – Serbia’s main export • France invested in Serbia’s factories • Russia encouraged Serbia’s actions • Germans negotiated end to Russian aid in 1909 WE NOW RETURN TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED HISTORY

The Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s family

Three much-loved children, aged between 10 and 12 – Princess Sophie von Hohenberg (1901- 1990), Maximilian, Duke of Hohenberg (1902-1962), Prince Ernst von Hohenberg (1904-1954); there was also a stillborn son (d. 1908). II. Assassination in Sarajevo A. Archduke Franz Ferdinand with wife Sophie in Bosnia 1. Heir to throne B. The Black Hand 1. Serbian terrorist group wanted freedom for Bosnia 2. Freedom from Austria-Hungary to become part of Serbia 3. On June 28, 1914, Gavrilo Princip killed Archduke and his wife

WE INTERUPT THIS HISTORY TO BRING YOU MORE HISTORY Not the only assassinations in the last decades: - Czar Alexander II (Russia) 1881 - Empress Elisabeth (Austria) 1898 - President William McKinley (United States) - King Carlos I (Portugal) 1908 - King George I (Greece) 1913 WE NOW RETURN TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED HISTORY

III. Austria-Hungary Responds A. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbian government for assassination B. Austria-Hungary feared Russian intervention if they attacked Serbia C. Austria-Hungary wanted Emperor William II of Germany to approve attack against Serbia D. Germany gave a “blank check” to Austria-Hungary 1. Full support even if it meant war with Russia E. Austrian leaders sent ultimatum to Serbia on July 23rd 1. 10 extreme demands F. Serbia agreed with most demands, rejected some to keep sovereignty G. July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia