The Origins of World War I

Nations involved in WW1 (Orange is triple allianc and green is triple entente)

World War I was the result of a conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. The Slavs wanted liberation from Austrian Rule, which led to hostility between the two nations. On 28 June 1914, the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, was shot by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian terrorist belonging to an organisation called the Black Hand. The assassination of the Archduke was viewed by Austria as a direct challenge to its position as a great empire. A month later, Austria-Hungary reacted to the assassination by declaring war on Serbia. Germany then offered Austria-Hungary a ‘blank cheque’, pledging their support in the coming conflict.

ALLIANCES

Germany had invaded France in 1871 and France, fearing another invasion, formed an alliance with Russia. A short time after, Britain joined the alliance and it became known as the Triple Entente. Germany was apprehensive at the prospect of being surrounded by enemies and so formed an alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, known as the Triple Alliance. The presence of these two powerful blocs created an atmosphere of tension in Europe. On 31 July 1914, Germany sent ultimatums to Russia and France, both of which were rejected and subsequently declared war on them.

MILITARISM

Germany and Britain had been involved in an arms race as they competed for the largest army. Military spending had increased dramatically and by 1914, 12 million men could be called into action in the event of war.

World War I lasted from 1914 to 1918 and its impacts were felt across the globe, culturally, politically and socially.  During the course of the war, 11 million people were killed.

Source: http://www.uiowa.edu/~c016003a/alliances.gif
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