What caused Word War I

From a military standpoint Germany was clearly responsible for starting World War II, its participation in World War I was a direct result of its treaty with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then ruled by the Hapsburgs, and to the Russian mobilization against Germany. On June 28, 1914, Austrian heir to the throne Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by a Bosnian Serb terrorist who was protesting the Austrian annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908. This incident gave the Hapsburgs the opportunity to humiliate Serbia and enhance the empire’s prestige in the Balkans. Before leaving for his annual cruise to the North Cape off the Norwegian coast on July 6, Kaiser Wilhelm gave Germany’s unequivocal support to Austria in case it decided to take action against Serbia. Austria decided to present an unacceptable ultimatum to Serbia and then declare war, relying on Germany to deter Russia from any intervention. On July 23, Austria issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Serbia and put forward several near-impossible demands. On July 25, Serbia managed to accept all demands except one—regarding the participation of Austro-Hungarian officials on Serbian soil against organizations hostile to Austria. Serbia wanted this demand to be turned over to international arbitration. When the Kaiser returned from his cruise on July 27, he learned of the Serbian reply and instructed Austria-Hungary not to take any military action. However, as Austrian troop mobilization had already begun, Austria declared war against Serbia the following day, July 28.

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