How the World Changed -
World War 1 began after the Archduke (Franz Ferdinand) of the decaying Austro-Hungarian empire was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914 by a group of Serbian nationalists. This event began the struggle between Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian government.
On July 26, 1914, the Austro-Hungarian officials and Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria – Hungary issued an ultimatum to the Serbian government. Once the time limit on the ultimatum had expired, Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
Germany supported Austro-Hungary in the war effort while Russia supported Serbia. Germany therefore declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914 and on their ally, France, on August 3, 1914. On August 4, 1914, German troops were sent into Belgium, defying the neutrality that Belgium was promised. Great Britain declared war against Germany that same day.
Most historians see the assassination of Franz Ferdinand as the main short term trigger for the First World War. His death was not the only cause of the war; however its effect was to speed up the process that led to war. Franz Ferdinand’s death affectively lead toward the death of 15 million people in World War 1.
World War 1 began after the Archduke (Franz Ferdinand) of the decaying Austro-Hungarian empire was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914 by a group of Serbian nationalists. This event began the struggle between Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian government.
On July 26, 1914, the Austro-Hungarian officials and Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria – Hungary issued an ultimatum to the Serbian government. Once the time limit on the ultimatum had expired, Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
Germany supported Austro-Hungary in the war effort while Russia supported Serbia. Germany therefore declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914 and on their ally, France, on August 3, 1914. On August 4, 1914, German troops were sent into Belgium, defying the neutrality that Belgium was promised. Great Britain declared war against Germany that same day.
Most historians see the assassination of Franz Ferdinand as the main short term trigger for the First World War. His death was not the only cause of the war; however its effect was to speed up the process that led to war. Franz Ferdinand’s death affectively lead toward the death of 15 million people in World War 1.