Quiz for Document 25-1: Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg, Telegram to the German Ambassador at Vienna (July 6, 1914)

1. Document Link

   Bethmann-Hollweg’s telegram to the German ambassador indirectly justified an Austrian attack on Serbia by implying that

   A.

   if Austria did not attack Serbia, Russia would.

   B.

   Russia and Serbia were trying to assemble an anti-Austrian alliance in the Balkans.

   C.

   the Serbians had plans to annex Bulgaria.

   D.

   both the British and French were preparing to intervene in the Balkans.

   Bethmann-Hollweg’s telegram to the German ambassador indirectly justified an Austrian attack on Serbia by implying that

2. Document Link

   Why did Austria believe gaining German support was necessary to declare war on Serbia?

   A.

   The country was concerned that Serbia and Germany would forge an alliance.

   B.

   Austrian citizens were worried about repercussions from Bulgaria and its king.

   C.

   Austria feared Russia’s involvement as Serbia’s ally.

   D.

   Rumania’s power was growing in Europe and they posed a threat to Austria.

   Why did Austria believe gaining German support was necessary to declare war on Serbia?

3. Document Link

   Why was this telegram referred to as a “blank check”?

   A.

   It guaranteed German assistance against Serbia and her allies no matter the cost.

   B.

   It promised German funds to build weapons.

   C.

   The German government wrote a blank check to help rebuild the Austrian economy.

   D.

   Germany promised Austria to forge a new Balkan alliance.

   Why was this telegram referred to as a “blank check”?