World War originated in Europe and lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was the first war to take place on a global scale and involved more than 70 million troops around the world. Although several events were already in place for a global confrontation, one particular incident sparked the conflict.
On June 28, 1914, the Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Bosnian Serb Yugoslav nationalist named Gavrilo Princip. Princip belonged to a Serbian secret society called the ‘Black Hand’ which aimed to free Bosnia from Austrian rule.
In response to the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia. Serbia’s response failed to appease the Austrians and on July 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary issued a declaration of war against Serbia.
During this time tensions had been mounting in Europe due to various alliances. Europe was divided into two coalitions called the ‘Triple Entente’ which consisted of France, Russia and Britain and the ‘Triple Alliance’ made up of Austria-Hungary, Germany and Italy.
Germany saw an opportunity at this time to dominate Europe by attacking France. As a result of this German troops attempted to cross Belgium to attack the French army. Belgium was a neutral nation and refused entry to the Germans. The Germans decided to enter by force. British fears of German domination in Europe brought Britain and its empire into the war in August. The entry of Britain and its empire made it a truly global war.
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