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Powder Keg of Europe. Powder Keg of Europe. As nationalism weakened the Ottoman Empire , the Slavic peoples of the Balkan region struggled to free themselves from Ottoman control Serbia declared independence in 1878, allying themselves to Russia
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Powder Keg of Europe • As nationalism weakened the Ottoman Empire, the Slavic peoples of the Balkan region struggled to free themselves from Ottoman control • Serbia declared independence in 1878, allying themselves to Russia • Serbia then wanted to unite with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were controlled by Austria-Hungary • Serbia could count on Russia's support, and Austria-Hungary could count on Germany's • Because of the high tensions in this area, the Balkans became known as the "Powder Keg of Europe." All that was needed to ignite the world into war was a spark.
Shot Heard Around the World • Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary visited Serbia along with his wife • A terrorist group known as the Black Hand plotted to assassinate the archduke • Gavrilo Princip a member of the black hand pulled the trigger to kill the archduke • Austria-Hungary sent Serbia an ultimatum, official set of demands to avoid war. Serbia refused • On July 2, 1914 Austria declared war on Serbia
Alliances • Austria declared war on Serbia • Germany, Austria’s ally declare war on Serbia • Russia, Serbian ally said it would protect Serbia • France and Great Britain both Russian allies declared war on Austria and Germany
