The July Crisis (AQA GCSE History)
Revision Note
Written by: Natasha Smith
Reviewed by: Zoe Wade
The July Crisis - Summary
In the late 1800s, the major European powers were divided into two alliance systems. The Triple Alliance was a military alliance that included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The Triple Entente, however, was not a formal military alliance and included Britain, France, and Russia.
On 5th July 1914, Germany gave Austria-Hungary a 'blank cheque', offering its full and unconditional support following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914. When Austria declared war, the alliance system was activated, making a European war almost certain.
However, some historians argue that the conflict might have remained a European, localised war if Germany had not invaded Belgium. On 3rd August 1914, Germany launched the Schlieffen Plan, which led Britain to declare war on Germany. This invasion was a key factor that turned the conflict into a global war, with many arguing that Germany’s actions sparked what would become the First World War.
What was the July Crisis?
After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 1914, the Austrian-Hungarian government believed that Serbia was involved
Austria-Hungary's ally - Germany - provided Austria with a 'blank cheque'
On 5th July 1914, Germany offer their unconditional support to Austria-Hungary against Serbia
Despite having circumstantial evidence, Austria-Hungary sent a list of demands, known as the ten-point ultimatum to Serbia
The ten-point ultimatum stated Serbia must:
take full responsibility for the assassination of the Archduke
remove all 'anti-Austrian' groups, officials and publications
put those on trial who were involved in the assassination
allow the Austrian police to operate in Serbia to ensure the removal of all 'anti-Austrian' groups and investigate the assassination
Serbia was given 48 hours to respond to the ultimatum
If it did not respond, or agree to all ten points Austria-Hungary would declare war
Events of the July Crisis
The King of Serbia responded to the ultimatum and agreed to nine out of the ten points in the ultimatum
They refused to accept Point 6
Point 6 stated that Austro-Hungarian police would operate in Serbia to investigate the assassination and help to remove all 'anti-Austrian' groups
The King of Serbia argued that this threatened Serbia's independence
Austria-Hungary stopped all communications with Serbia
On 28th July 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia
This declaration of war triggered the alliance systems
By 3rd August 1914, all major European countries, except Britain, were at war
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You do not need to know all of the ten points in the ultimatum. The most important one to remember is point 6, the one that Serbia refused to accept.
How did the July Crisis result in a World War?
Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia triggers the alliance system
Within a week, all the major European nations were at war
On 29th July 1914, Russia hears about the declaration of war
The Russian army mobilise and prepare to help Serbia
On 30th July 1914, Germany asks Russia to stop mobilising for war
There are several messages but Russia continues to mobilise
On 1st August 1914, Germany mobilise their army and declared war on Russia
France prepares its army for war
On 2nd August 1914, Germany start the Schlieffen Plan
Germany sends troops to the Belgium border to invade France
Germany asks permission to go through Belgium to France, Belgium refuse admission
On 3rd August 1914, Germany declares war on France and invades Belgium
This breaks the 1839 Treaty of London, in which European nations promised to defend Belgium if it was invaded
Britain sends a message to Germany asking them to call off the invasion
On 4th August 1914, Germany fails to respond to Britain's message and continue their invasion
At 11 pm, Britain declares war on Germany
On 5th August 1914, France declares war on Germany
On 6th August 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia
Awaiting image
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Some students find the sequence of events that resulted in the start of the First World War difficult to remember.
It is necessary for you to understand the sequence of events. However, an easy way to remember it is to think about the alliance systems. Understanding who had alliances in Europe helps you to understand the sequence of events.
In addition, cartoons like the one below, are very useful as they demonstrate the order of events.
Worked Example
Study Source A.
Source A is critical of the alliance system in Europe. How do you know?
[4 marks]
Source A: An American political cartoon created in July 1914. The cartoon was created for the American newspaper the 'Brooklyn Eagle'. The caption says 'If Austria attacks Serbia, Russia will fall upon Austria, Germany upon Russia, and France and England upon Germany.'
Answer:
Source A is critical of the alliance system in Europe as it was created by an American newspaper in 1914 (1). America remained neutral about the ongoing tensions and war in Europe until 1917. The American newspaper criticises the alliance system as it suggests that war is inevitable because of the alliance system (1)
Source A is also critical of the alliance system in Europe as the image suggests that the major European nations are ready and encouraging war through the alliance system (1). Before 1914, Europe was split into two alliance systems - the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. Once the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand happened in 1914, the alliance system was triggered and the First World War began (1).
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