Escalation from a Balkan Crisis to a World War Flashcards

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In this topic, what does the word 'escalation' mean?

It means a small crisis growing step by step into a much larger and more serious war.

What event in the Balkans in June 1914 started the crisis that later grew into the First World War?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo started the crisis.

How did Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum to Serbia help escalate the crisis?

Austria-Hungary sent Serbia a very harsh ultimatum and then declared war when Serbia did not fully accept it, turning tension into open fighting.

Why did Russia’s mobilisation in July 1914 make the crisis more dangerous?

Russia began to mobilise its army to protect Serbia, which alarmed Germany and made a wider war between great powers more likely.

How did Germany’s actions in early August 1914 turn a Balkan conflict into a bigger war?

Germany declared war on Russia, then on France, so a local dispute between Austria-Hungary and Serbia became a major European war.

Why did France become involved once Germany declared war on Russia?

France was Russia’s ally, so when Germany prepared to fight Russia, it also moved to attack France, drawing France into the war.

How did the invasion of Belgium in August 1914 help turn the conflict into a world war?

Germany invaded neutral Belgium to reach France, breaking the Treaty of London, so Britain declared war on Germany and joined the fighting.

How did the alliance system help turn a Balkan crisis into a European war?

Alliances meant that when Austria-Hungary and Serbia clashed, their powerful friends—Germany, Russia, and France—were pulled in one by one.

Why did the entry of Britain help change a European war into a world war?

Britain brought its huge empire into the conflict, so troops, ships, and fighting soon came from and to many parts of the world.

Why did the crisis escalate so quickly in late July and early August 1914?

Leaders relied on strict war plans and rapid mobilisation timetables, so once armies began to move, there was little time or will to stop the slide into war.

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