Who started the war?

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.