Photo AI
Write an account of how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the outbreak of the First World War. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Write an account of how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the outbreak of the First World War.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write an account of how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the outbreak of the First World War. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Answer
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the nationalist group known as the Black Hand. This assassination set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the First World War.
Step 2
Immediate Reaction and Austria-Hungary's Response
Answer
In response to the assassination, Austria-Hungary sought to hold Serbia accountable, as they believed the Serbian government was involved in the plot. On July 23, 1914, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia with demands that were intentionally harsh, knowing that Serbia would likely reject them.
Step 3
Step 4
The Role of Alliances
Answer
The intricate system of alliances played a crucial role in the escalation of the conflict. Russia, bound by its Slavic ties to Serbia, began mobilization in response to the Austrian declaration of war. This mobilization prompted Germany to declare war on Russia on August 1, 1914, leading to a domino effect among the major European powers.
Step 5
The Outbreak of World War I
Answer
As alliances took effect, Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium, leading Britain to declare war on Germany on August 4, 1914. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand thus acted as a catalyst for a larger conflict, demonstrating how nationalistic fervor and alliance systems could intertwine to precipitate a world war.