So, Wilhelm’s jealousy and ambitious nature contributed to his country’s increased military power at that time.
By 1914, many countries felt more important than each other and to show they were powerful they felt a need for colonies to build up an empire. In building up an Empire they needed an army and navy. As each country became more powerful they got threatened by each other and grouped together creating two separate alliances. Germany in particular became very powerful in their army and navy. Under threat of this army, France allied itself with Russia, and later Britain. Since the 1890’s, Britain and France had a lot of hostility between them. This was because of claims to land in West Africa and the Pacific, fishing rights in recently found land and developing interests in Egypt and Morocco. However, in 1904 King Edward VII went over to Paris to make a friendly agreement called the Entente Cordiale. This meant that each country settled their disagreements and would not interfere in Empire building between them. The trip was successful and Britain was at peace with France. Altogether, Russia, Britain and France created the Triple Entente. Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy joined to form the Triple Alliance.
So, over 15 years or more there had been a clearer and growing division in Europe creating effectively two major powers – the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente. This was a time bomb waiting for a spark to set off a war.
On the 28th June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was murdered. He was Austria-Hungarian and was visiting Serbia by invitation. He knew the trip was dangerous due to the conflicts between Austria-Hungary and Serbia but went anyway. He was taken by car through the streets to the City Hall. There were huge safety precautions for the visit. Police lined the streets and suspects for murdering him were arrested before the visit. There were also several hundred Serbian soldiers kept in their barracks. However, members of the Black Hand gang were also lined along the streets. These were Serbian extremists that feared the connection between Austria-Hungary and Serbia would be bad for the country. Each member of the Black Hand gang was given several weapons to use to kill Franz Ferdinand. On the first attempt, someone threw a bomb at the car but the driver accelerated as he saw something coming; the bomb hit the wheel of the next car. The second attempt also failed. Franz Ferdinand arrived at the City Hall safely but wanted to go to the hospital afterwards to visit the wounded. Unfortunately, the driver was not told about the change of plan and carried on through the streets. He then had to slow down in order to turn the car round when he was told about the hospital. It was then that Gavrilo Princep fired several shots at Ferdinand. On the third attempt he was shot in the head and later died in hospital. This was the spark needed for war to break out. Franz Ferdinand was such an important figure that this angered Austria-Hungary.
In 1913, Serbia wanted to add Albania to their Empire. However, Austria-Hungary was threatened by Serbia’s power and so established Albania as an independent state. Serbia was angry with them for doing so. When Franz Ferdinand was murdered Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for his death. On July 28th Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. As Germany had an alliance with Austria-Hungary, they fought as well. Italy also joined with Germany and Austria-Hungary, as they were part of the Triple Alliance. To help Serbia, Russia put its forces along the German and Austrian borders. Germany then declared war on Russia and its ally – France. In order to get to France, Germany needed to invade Belgium. However, Britain had agreed to protect Belgium from taking sides and declared war on Germany and Austria-Hungary on the 4th August 1914. On April 26th 1915, Italy changed sides. European colonies and the British Empire were dragged in from all over the world to join the First World War.
Numerous countries were dragged in through colonies, allies and alliances. Within years, there was a colossal division worldwide – over twenty different countries were involved in some way or another. On a long-term basis, World War One started due to rivalry for colonies, the arms race and the alliance system. On a short-term basis, Franz Ferdinand’s murder started the war. However, Germany was held responsible for the war and was fined a huge amount for reparations and gave back territory to countries worldwide.