Causes of the First World War

In the East:

Further east, Russia and Austria-Hungary were bitter rivals. To the south of two countries lay the Balkans, A collection of states including Serbia. People of different races lived in the Balkans. One of the chief groups was the Slavs. Since many Slavs lived in Russia as well as in the Balkans, it was logical that Russia would support the Slav people. Russia was also keen to control the Balkans to gain better access to the Mediterranean Sea. At this time, Serbia wanted to unite all Slav people in the Balkans and Russia was ready to help.

Like the Balkans, many different races, including Slavs, lived within the Austro-Hungarian borders. A united Slav Serbia could be all they needed to start demanding independence from Austria-Hungary and looking to Russia for help.

Assassination at Sarajevo:

Tensions were building up. It took only one spark to set them alight. On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, was visiting Sarajevo. He was shot dead by a Serbian student called Gavrillo Princip. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia came in on the side of Serbia and declared war on Austria-Hungary. The other major countries of the alliances were drawn in. The last one was Britain, when Germany marched through Belgium to attack France (Britain had a treaty to protect Belgium).