 |
The Spark
In response to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy annexing Bosnia-Herzegovina (home
of many Serbians), the neighbouring Serbian government created a liberation movement
for Bosnia Serbs. That movement had a covert wing called the Black Hand. On July
28, 1914, during a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia, Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria,
was assassinated by the teenaged Gavril Princip, who had been trained and armed
by the Black Hand.
The assassination was, by itself, not sufficient to trigger the Great War. But,
the Austro-Hungarians wanted to crush the Serb uprising, which was supported
by Russia. In retaliation for the death of Ferdinand the Austrians issued an
ultimatum urging the Serbians to cease anti-Austro-Hungarian propaganda and actions.
Prior to issuing what was called the July Ultimatum, the Austrians got a "blank
cheque" from Berlin. They were assured that should the ultimatum result
in war, Germany would throw its support behind the Monarchy. |
|
|
|
Serbia rejected a key part of the ultimatum and as a result, the Austro-Hungarian
Monarchy (with the full support of the German Empire) pulled its ambassador from
Serbia and declared war on July 28, 1914. That move prompted the arduous July
29 mobilization of Russian troops against the Monarchy. On August 1, the Germans
declared war on Russia and then, two days later, on France. The Great War had begun. |
|
|
|
| |
Farming Soldiers
Canada
was largely rural and agrarian. The coming war would pull many farmers like this
one from their fields and onto the muddy plains of battle.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
