Who started World War One?

Question

A Serbian of the 'Black Hand Gang' assassinated Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, so why did Britain and its old enemy France declare war on Germany several weeks later.

Answer 1

The assassination of Austria's heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand (and his wife) lead to an Austrian ultimatum. When the Serbian government, which was clearly behind the assassins, refused to comply, Austria declared war on Serbia. And it could have stayed in that limited frame, if Russia and Britain would not have had further designs on a changed Europe.
Russia was determined to increase her influence on the Balkans, where the majority of people were orthodox Christians (as the Russians were).
And Britain, always keen on gaining new markets, had her eyes on the vast regions of the Austrian and Ottoman Empires which were until then not open to British traders.
Russia had a secret alliance with Britain and France, and when Russia declared war on Austria, this triggered first the German declaration of war on Russia (as Germany was Austria's ally), and then the French declaration of war on Germany. France had old bones to pick with Germany, after France was humiliatingly defeated by Prussia and her allies in 1870/71. And with her allies Russia and France in the war, Britain could not escape her obligations, although most British politicians were not very keen to fight another war in Europe. Most British land forces were not based in Europe, but occupied garrisons in India and other parts of the Empire. So the only force of substance for Britain was her Royal Navy, while the Army only mustered a rather small force that was sent to Northern France. (Only later, after Kitchener's mobilisation campaign, increased the British Army to a strong force, at least in a matter of numbers.)
What brought Britain eventually into the war for sure was the German invasion of Belgium. British newpapers made a massive campaign story out of that, and before the politicians in Whitehall could develop and exit strategy in order to avoid the war, public opinion was already turned around and hundreds of thousands of Britons filled the streets, demanding war and "revenge for little Belgium".
The rest is known, and history.

Answer 2

I can't see Germany starting another war. You really can't judge by history. Their government ha change so many times since (being divided, etc). If you want to go by history, you have to look back at what influenced Germany to start both wars. It really started with the French Revolution. Napolean rose up to power and walked all over Germany. The German people lost their pride in country, nationalism, and identity. This was one of many reasons for the world wars. I do not believe any world war will be fought again any time soon. Nations and their populations are very connected now through corporations, social media, and the news media. Civilians do not have the stomach for war. Every war broken out since Vietnam creates vast protests over the violence seen on TV. Someone mentioned china, China would never attack the US. The US owes them too much money and they make more off the interest alone they pay back. Wars are very expensive, especially with all the modern technology.

Answer 3

because the duke and heir of Austria-Hungary was assassinated. this was blamed on the Slovaks of southern Austria-Hungary. Slovaks being originally from Russia meant Austria-Hungary suspected Russia had underlying power and wanted to overthrow Austria-Hungary via the Slovaks. this in turn meant Austria-Hungary tried to make Russia abide to a number or rules, when Russia objected AH declared war on them, France and Great Britain went to Russia's aid, Germany and Turkey went to Austria-Hungary's aid. the British-French-Russian Allie won and blamed Germany for the war(who knows why?) and drew up the Treaty of Versailles in which Germany were to follow. Hitler the come-leader was maddened by that which in turn was the cause of World War two. Russia changed sides after the first war.

Answer 4

Because of alliances formed prior to the war that forced their hands to back up allies. Germany had to back up Austria-Hungary while Russia (who was backed by Britain and France)backed Serbia.

Really the murder of Archduke was only about 1% of the cause of the war. It was simply the spark and the excuse that brought boiling tensions to the surface.

For more information read my source,

Answer 5

It's is very complicated. It was to do with the many agreements and treaties that individual governments had with each other at the time. The assassination had a knock on effect with, I think, Germany invading Belgium which, in turn, brought Britain and France into the war. When the balance of power changed, old emnities came to the fore once again to try and change the map.

Answer 6

In a nutshell;
Serbia appealed to Russia for help when they refused to hand over the Leaders of the Black Hand group.
Austria-Hungary declare war on Serbia.
Germany declares war on Russia.
Then Germany declares war on France.
German troops cross the border into Belgium, which has a pact with Britain.
Britain declares war on Germany.
The rest, as they say, is history!

Answer 7

at the time there was a lot of instability in the world and the assassination put a lot of people over the edge but i think it was Germany who actually made the first invasion on Poland and then France and Britain then declared war on Germany which they said they would do if Germany invaded Poland. but i could be wrong

Answer 8

Germany was preparing to fight Russia but feared a French attack on its weakened rear side if it sent its troups to the east. It was thought to be expedient to knock the French out before attacking Russia but would have to negotiate the Maginot line of defence. Instead they decided to march through the low countries having first sought but misunderstood the opinion of Britain. Germany's incursion into Belgium, whose neutrality was guaranteed by Britain, was seen as an invasion causing Britain to declare war on Germany.

Answer 9

Because Germany declared war on Russia, their ally, for mobolizing to protect Serbia. And because Germany was invading Luxembourg and Belgium to make their way into France.

Answer 10

Just been reading some of the answers, I must say that they were very informative and a big thank you to the researchers. So far(at least) no mention of the famous us of a arriving during the last few moments of war then telling everyone that they won it single handedly (just wait for it)