This week's blog number 2 is "Who started the war?" In
1914, the countries in Europe were mostly alliance. if one country would go to
war, the entire Europe would get involved because of their relations. On June 28, 1914 the Austrian archduke
Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by the Serb Gavrilo Princip, part of the
terrorist Black Hand group in Serbia.
On the 23 of July, Austria's government made a
set of demands of Serbia. Their number one demand was to ban all
anti-Austrian groups in Serbia. The second demand is dismiss all anti-Austrian
government officials from employment. The
third one is to arrest Vojislav Tankosic, head of the Black Hand. 4th demand
was to hold an inquiry with an Austrian judge. On the 25, Serbia agreed
to the demands, except the 4th one, where it said the judge would be Serbian.
On the 28 July, Austria turned this down and declared war on Serbia. Serbia asked Russia which asked France which asked Britain. Austria asked Germany. Germany used this time to knock France out immediately via the Schlieffen Plan and gain additional colonies, territory, prestige. Germany didn't go about starting the war, it simply wanted to catch up to other countries in colonies, naval power, and influence.
On the 28 July, Austria turned this down and declared war on Serbia. Serbia asked Russia which asked France which asked Britain. Austria asked Germany. Germany used this time to knock France out immediately via the Schlieffen Plan and gain additional colonies, territory, prestige. Germany didn't go about starting the war, it simply wanted to catch up to other countries in colonies, naval power, and influence.