(See Appendix B – Pre and Post War Europe) World War 1 was sparked by an assassination of Austria-Hungary’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The assassin of the Archduke (Gaurilo Princip) was in fact a “member of a secret society called the Black Hand.”(Danzer, p.556) The ‘Black Hand’s’ aim was to unite all Serbs under one government. After the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared that they were going to have a bright, brisk little war against Serbia. (Danzer, p.556) The World War was ignited when countries started to join the war to keep alliances. On July 29,1914, Russia announced that to keep its ally, Serbia, they would order a full mobilization of its militants.
How far has USA’s role in world affairs developed since 1929? USA has been a superpower nation and especially in the 1900s, their decisions have affected the world greatly and bought about change. However USA’s attitudes to world affairs have not been constant throughout. The USA’s foreign policy during the 1920s was called isolationism. The USA did not want to get involved in foreign affairs and foreign wars, especially since WW1 where the people feared another “European death march” so they rejected joining the League of Nations despite the fact that USA was the country who put forward the idea at the Treaty of Versailles.
The Monroe Doctrine The Monroe Doctrine was first brought to attention from a speech by President James Monroe on December 2, 1823. The ideas of the speech originated in much earlier thinking, such as the "Farewell Address" of George Washington, in which he warned America against close political association with European states, and in the first inaugural address of Thomas Jefferson. The circumstances leading to the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine stemmed from efforts by European powers to control former Spanish colonies in Mexico, and Central and South America. The primary purpose behind the Monroe Doctrine, declared that European countries were not allowed to colonize land anywhere located on the western hemisphere. If they did, the Americas would take it as a threat and defend against the Europeans.
Ferdinand planned to make some major changes once he had become Emperor, some of these prospective changes made him very unpopular. The Austro-Hungarian Empire currently had control over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The terrorist group decided that Ferdinand should be assassinated before he gained enough power to create further oppression for the two countries. When Franz Ferdinand visited Sarajevo for an inspection of the Austro-Hungarian troops, The Black Hand made their move. The assassination had a violent and turbulent aftermath.
The Americans believed that their taxes would pay for the League of Nations and sanctions would be imposed to prevent trading, also many Americans were originally for Europe and came to America to get. There was also a large number of Irish immigrants living within America who hated Britain and didn’t want anything to do them. But on the other hand there are few examples of how America intervened within world affairs, one being the Monroe Doctrine 1923 devised by John Adams, Secretary of State. This was the principle of excluding European influence on Americans and Americans would not interfere with existing European colonies. Another important example of America practicing isolationism is their refusal to react to the Japanese sinking on the American gunboat USS Panay.
The Channel played a big part in why Britain remained undefeated because it meant that Hitler’s Germany could not use their method of attacking Blitzkrieg. This was important as it meant that they had to gain control of the Channel before invading Britain and this meant that the Germans needed a
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the trigger that set off the Great War. Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the throne of Austria - Hungary. He was assassinated on 28th June 1914 by terrorists from one of Austria - Hungary’s rival powers, Serbia. Austria - Hungary blamed Serbia even though the terrorists were not connected to the Serbia government. On 31 July 1914, Austria- Hungary declared war on Serbia.
* War in the Balkans. Spreading of Wars NB: Alliances – opposed When Serbs were under attack, they asked Russia for help. Russia was sympathetic and said yes. Tsar Nicholas II MOBILISED Russia 29th July to help Serbia – THIS STARTED THE COUNTDOWN FOR THE FIRST WORLD WAR. 5....30th July | When Kaiser heard that Russia was getting ready for war (Mobilising) he asked Tsar Nicholas to stop.
Also Austria-Hungary’s king and family visited Sarajevo- Bosnia was assassinated by conspirator Gavrilo Princip Austria striked back in revenge. But the most important came from countries distrust for one another because it led the Great powers of Europe-Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Britain, France, and Russia signed treaties pledging to defend one another. These alliances were intended to promote peace by promoting powerful combinations that no one would dare to attack. But 2 huge alliances emerged in the end. France longed to avenge its defeat in Franco-Prussian War, Bismarck signed treaties with other powered thinking they wouldn’t attack Germany alone.
What had happen was the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary (Triple Alliance) went to Sarajevo, Serbia, and was killed by a Serbian, and Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia. Russia steps in to protect Serbia who is Russia ally. Within a month of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, the Great War had begin. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was the spark or the immediate cause of the war. That why it is the first cause that might have caused the Great War .