The origins of World War I, which erupted in 1914, can be traced to a complex web of alliances, militarism, imperialism, and nationalism that characterized early 20th-century Europe. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, by a Serbian nationalist, sparked immediate tensions. Austria-Hungary, seeking to assert its authority, issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which was partially accepted but deemed insufficient. This led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.
The entangled alliances swiftly transformed a regional conflict into a global war. Russia mobilized to support Serbia, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia. France and Britain were drawn in due to their alliances, escalating the conflict further. Nationalist fervor, colonial rivalries, and military strategies, along with deep-seated historical grievances, created a powder keg that ignited, marking the beginning of a devastating conflict that would reshape the world order and lead to unprecedented loss of life.
For more details and the full reference, visit the source link below: