Black Hand

Definition

The Black Hand was a secret military society formed in 1911 in Serbia, primarily consisting of Serbian nationalists. Its goal was to promote the idea of a Greater Serbia and to use violent means, including assassination, to achieve its political aims. This group played a crucial role in the events leading up to the First World War, particularly through its involvement in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Black Hand was officially known as 'Union or Death' (Ujedinjenje ili Smrt) and aimed to liberate Serbs from Austro-Hungarian rule.
2. The group orchestrated the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, which directly triggered World War I.
3. Members of the Black Hand believed in using terrorism and violence as a legitimate means to achieve their nationalist goals.
4. The organization operated largely in secrecy, with many members being connected to the Serbian military and government officials.
5. Following the assassination, the Black Hand faced scrutiny from both Serbian authorities and foreign powers, ultimately leading to its disbandment.

Review Questions

• How did the Black Hand contribute to the tensions leading up to World War I?
  • The Black Hand contributed significantly to the tensions leading up to World War I through its secretive operations and extremist nationalist agenda. By advocating for a Greater Serbia and employing violent tactics, including assassination, they created an atmosphere of instability in the Balkans. Their most notable act, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, set off a chain reaction among European powers that escalated into a full-scale war.
• Discuss the implications of the Black Hand's actions on Serbia's relationship with Austria-Hungary and how this influenced the outbreak of World War I.
  • The actions of the Black Hand severely strained Serbia's relationship with Austria-Hungary. Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip, who was linked to the Black Hand, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia that demanded extensive concessions. Serbia's response was seen as insufficient, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, which triggered alliances across Europe and ultimately led to World War I.
• Evaluate how the ideology behind the Black Hand influenced nationalist movements in Europe during the early 20th century.
  • The ideology behind the Black Hand significantly influenced nationalist movements across Europe by showcasing how radical groups could mobilize individuals through shared ethnic identities and aspirations for self-determination. Their belief in using violence to achieve political goals resonated with other nationalist movements that sought independence from larger empires. The tactics employed by the Black Hand set a precedent for subsequent groups and fueled further political unrest, contributing to an increasingly volatile environment in Europe as countries struggled with issues of national identity and territorial integrity.

Related terms

Greater Serbia:

A nationalist idea advocating for the unification of all Serbian people, including those living outside of Serbia, into one nation.

Gavrilo Princip:

A Bosnian Serb nationalist and member of the Black Hand, who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for national independence or unity.