The
complex system of alliances between European powers in the early 1900s contributed to the
outbreak ofby causing a relatively small conflict originating in the Balkans to become a massive
war that spanned the continent. This was because, first, the alliance system encouraged some
nations to act more aggressively and, second, mandated that nations step up to defend their
allies.
When the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian
throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo, the Serbian government was deemed responsible by
Austria-Hungary. It was taking a risk, since Serbia had an alliance with Russia. They were
encouraged to take a hard line, though, by the assurances of their own ally Germany, whose
generals were spoiling for a fight with Russia. When Serbia failed to heed an ultimatum issued
by Austria-Hungary, the latter country went to war with Serbia, and Russia responded by
mobilizing its army. This led to war between Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Germany,
which...
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