Germany Issues Blank Check to Austria-Hungary
July 5th, 1914 · 20th Century
On July 5, 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany pledged unconditional support (the "blank check") to Austria-Hungary for whatever action it chose to take against Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This pivotal meeting took place in Potsdam between Wilhelm II and Austro-Hungarian Ambassador Count Ladislaus Szögyény-Marich, who delivered a letter from Emperor Franz Joseph seeking German backing. This diplomatic assurance was a crucial step that emboldened Austria-Hungary to issue its ultimatum to Serbia, precipitating the outbreak of World War I.
Key Figures
Kaiser Wilhelm IICount Leopold von BerchtoldEmperor Franz Joseph ICount Alexander HoyosCount Ladislaus Szögyény-Marich
Locations
ViennaBerlinPotsdamBallhausplatz
Topics
serbianWWIGermanysarajevoaustria
Connected Events — 3 Connections
Made Austria-Hungary's declaration of war inevitable by guaranteeing German military backing regardless of consequences, eliminating the Habsburg monarchy's primary concern about facing a wider European conflict alone Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Directly enabled Austria-Hungary to present its harsh ultimatum to Serbia, as Count Berchtold felt emboldened by Germany's unconditional support to take aggressive action that would likely lead to war Austria-Hungary presents ultimatum to Serbia
Provided the immediate pretext that prompted Austria-Hungary to seek German support, as Emperor Franz Joseph's letter specifically referenced the need for backing against Serbia following the Sarajevo assassination Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
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