Non-fiction: WWI – Events after the Assassination of the Archduke
WWI & the Great Depression
Events after the Assassination of the Archduke:
The Road to War
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Austria-Hungary felt its power slipping after the Archduke’s
assassination. 1 It wanted to assert itself and try to regain control.
Austria-Hungary prepared to take action against Serbia. First, however,
Austria-Hungary went to seek help and support from its neighbor
Germany. Germany assured Austria-Hungary that the German
government would support any Austro-Hungarian action against Serbia.
On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. World War I
began.
As Germany supported Austria-Hungary, Russia supported Serbia. As
soon as Austria-Hungary declared war, Russia started preparing troops for
battle.
Germany took Russia’s preparation as an act of war against AustriaHungary. Germany declared war on Russia.
France was tied to Russia by a separate treaty. 2 France declared war on
Germany to keep its promise to Russia.
In response to France’s declaration of war, Germany invaded a neutral 3
country, Belgium. Belgium was close to France and Germany wanted to
take over France.
Britain was bound by a treaty to France and Belgium. Britain declared war
on Germany.
In 1914 Britain was still an empire. All of Britain’s territories overseas
entered the war on Britain’s side. Their entrance extended the war
beyond the boundaries of Europe. Australia, Canada, India, New
Zealand, and the Union of South Africa joined the fighting.
Japan had military4 ties to Britain. Soon Japan declared war on
Germany. In response, Austria-Hungary declared war on Japan.
The United States declared that it would remain neutral. However, this
policy of neutrality could not last forever.
1
assassination – a murder done by surprise attack, often for political reasons
treaty – an agreement between two nations that were at war
3
neutral – not taking sides in a conflict
4
military – having to do with the army
2
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Questions: WWI – Events after the Assassination of the Archduke
Name: _______________________________ Date: ______________________
1. At the beginning of World War I, the first country to declare war was
a.
b.
c.
d.
Austria-Hungary against the British Empire.
Germany against France and Belgium.
Austria-Hungary against Serbia.
the United States against Austria-Hungary.
2. For each country mentioned in the passage, the author describes
a.
b.
c.
d.
why they did or did not enter the war.
the military training they conducted.
why they wanted to avoid entering the war.
how the war effected their boundaries.
3. The author most likely writes that the U.S. policy of neutrality “could not last
forever” to mean
a.
b.
c.
d.
the U.S. would be the first to enter the war.
the U.S. would end up losing the war.
the U.S. was not part of any treaty.
the U.S. would enter the war eventually.
4. Read the following sentences: “Austria felt its power slipping after the
Archduke’s assassination. The country wanted to assert itself and try to
regain control.”
The word assert means
a.
b.
c.
d.
to stay on the outside
to stand up for something
to hide away in secret
to try to relieve pain or harm
5. This passage is mostly about
a.
b.
c.
d.
why World War I was different from previous wars.
why Austria-Hungary and Russia fought each other.
how different countries became involved in World War I.
how World War I brought about new world powers.
© 2012 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.
Questions: WWI – Events after the Assassination of the Archduke
6. Explain why France entered the war.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
7. Why did countries like Australia and Canada enter the war?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
8. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the answer that best
completes the sentence.
First, Austria formed an alliance with Germany; __________, Austria declared
war on Serbia; and third, Russia started preparing troops for battle.
a.
b.
c.
d.
first
second
meanwhile
always
9. Read the following sentence.
France declared war on Germany after Germany had declared war on
Russia, because France had to support Russia.
Answer the questions below based on the information provided in the sentence
you just read. One of the questions has already been answered for you.
1. Who? France
2. What did France do? __________________________________________
3. When? _____________________________________________________
4. Why? ______________________________________________________
© 2012 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.
Questions: WWI – Events after the Assassination of the Archduke
10. Vocabulary Word: neutral: not taking sides in an argument or fight.
Use the vocabulary word in a sentence: ________________________________
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© 2012 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.