The Demands Made by Austria-Hungary to Serbia
In July 1914, Austria-Hungary delivered an ultimatum to Serbia, demanding that the country take action against nationalist groups that were deemed hostile to the empire. The demands were seen as an attempt by Austria-Hungary to assert its influence in the Balkans and to prevent any threats to its power. The ultimatum came after the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo by a member of the Serbian nationalist group, the Black Hand.
Demand 1: End anti-Austrian propaganda
The first demand made by Austria-Hungary to Serbia was to immediately end all anti-Austrian propaganda in the country. This included the suppression of publications that incited hatred against Austria-Hungary and its people. Serbia was also required to take measures to prevent the distribution of propaganda in neighboring countries.
Demand 2: Suppress extremist groups
The second demand was for Serbia to suppress any organizations or groups that sought to undermine the stability of Austria-Hungary. This included the Black Hand, which was responsible for the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Serbia was required to take action against these groups and prevent them from operating in Serbia or its territories.
Demand 3: Punish guilty officials
Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia punish any officials who were involved in the elimination plot against Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This included those officials who may have provided support or assistance to the Black Hand. Austria-Hungary also demanded that Serbia cooperate with Austria-Hungary in its investigation of the elimination.
Demand 4: Allow Austrian involvement
Austria-Hungary demanded that it be allowed to participate in Serbia’s investigation into the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This included the right to send its own officials to assist with the investigation and to have access to all relevant documents and evidence.
Demand 5: Dismiss uncooperative officials
Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia dismiss any officials who were uncooperative in the investigation into the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This included officials who may have obstructed the investigation or refused to cooperate with Austria-Hungary.
Demand 6: Acknowledge involvement in elimination
Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia acknowledge its involvement in the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This included admitting that the elimination was carried out with the support of Serbian officials and that Serbia was responsible for the actions of the Black Hand.
Demand 7: Allow Austrian investigation
Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia allow Austrian officials to conduct their own investigation into the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This included the right to interrogate suspects and to have access to all relevant documents and evidence.
Demand 8: Apologize to Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia apologize to Austria-Hungary for its involvement in the elimination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The apology was to be made at the highest level of Serbian government and was to be published in the Serbian press.
Demand 9: Agree to Austria’s demands
Austria-Hungary demanded that Serbia agree to all of its demands within 48 hours. If Serbia did not comply, Austria-Hungary threatened to take military action against the country.
Demand 10: Face consequences if demands not met
Finally, Austria-Hungary warned Serbia that if its demands were not met, it would face severe consequences. This included the possibility of military action against Serbia and the potential involvement of other European powers in the conflict.
Conclusion: The Aftermath of the Demands
Serbia was unable to fully comply with Austria-Hungary’s demands, and on July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This set off a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war that ultimately led to World War I. The demands made by Austria-Hungary to Serbia were seen as a major contributing factor to the outbreak of the war, as they were seen as an attempt to assert Austria-Hungary’s dominance in the region and to prevent any threats to its power.
