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Assassination Of the Austrian Archduke (Most Important Factor)
Bosnia was taken over by Austria only about six years earlier. This was the reason the Bosnians opposed Austrian rule. Austria-Hungary was an obstacle that stood in the way of Serbian leaders who wanted to expand Serbia through the unifying of Slavs in Bosnia. The Serbian terrorist group, Black Hand, saw the archduke Franz Ferdinand's visit as an opportunity for his assassination. During his visit to the Bosniancity, Saravejo, the archduke was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. -
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Events Leading to WWI
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Austria-Hungary's Declaration of War
Following the assassination, Gavrilo Princip was arrested. After he was determined to be a serb, Austria-Hungary used the murder as an excuse to punish Serbia. Then after many demands made by Austria-Hungary to Serbia, war was also declared on Serbia. Russia promised to aid the Serbs if Austria-Hungary ever attacked. This led to Russia's joining in the war. -
Germany's Declaration of War on Russia
Austria-Hungary's ally, Germany, saw that the Russian mobilization of its troops was a threat, so the country had declared war on Russia. -
Germany's Declaration of War on France
Germany decided to also declare war on France since the French had also began to mobilize its troops. -
Britain Declares War on Germany
Since Belgian neutrality was granted by three countries, one of which was Britain, it was Britain's duty to take charge of protecting Belgium's neutrality. The violation of international law led to Britain's declaration of war on Germany. -
German Invasion On Belgium
Germany had planned and was ready to execute the Schlieffen Plan. This plan required for the German troops to first defeat France (west) and the Prussia (east). Located between Germany and France was Belgium. Germany decided to invade Belgium, a neutral country then go towads France, but this was a terrible decision. -
Battle of Frontiers Begins
German troops fought the French and British forces. German troops had a victory though all the forces suffere from great losses. France had struggled in fighting off the German troops. -
Battle of Tannenberg
Russia took the opportunity and attacked Germany from the east. It did not result well for Russians as the German forces had completely defeated them. Though the attack was a failure, it did manage to distract the Germans from attacking France. It also allowed Allied Powers a chance to reassemble their troops. -
Battle of Marne
In this battle the Allied troops succeeded in pushing back the German troops. The German troops, in their retreat, dug trenches along the Aisne River. The trenches allowed the Germans to fight back the Allied forces. The Allied forces, too, dug their own trenches. This was the start of trench warfare.
