Underlying Reasons For The War

Although there were many underlying reasons for the European nations to break out in war, the early days of the fighting between Serbia and Austria caused the expansion of the war, along with the alliances which failed to remain peace and actually contributed to the war. Also, the possibility of remaining neutral and prepared is always another alternative, rather than forming allies that may require the nation to enter a war.

Great Britain, France and Germany were beginning to buy weapons as if they were preparing for war. The money they were spending on armies meant the countries were ready for war. Italy, Austria- hungry, and Germany had formed a triple alliance and this would only mean what ever one of them would do all the others would follow. A war between Serbia and Austria caused 7 nations to enter the fighting by the reason of supporting alliances previously formed and underlying conflicts.

World War I was started by the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand of Austria on June 28th of 1914 by a terrorist recruited by Serbia. When Austria seized the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Russia and the independent state of Serbia became infuriated and retaliated with the murder of Ferdinand and his wife. On July 23rd the Austrian Government declared war against Serbia. Germany declared war against Russia, an ally of Serbia, on August 1st, then declares war on France, an ally of Russia, and begins invading through Berlin. On August 4th Great Britain, declared war against Germany due to their brutality of the invasion of neutral Berlin, along with remain true to their alliance with France.