What were the causes of the First World War in 1914?

Serbian Nationalist Gavrillo Princip shoots the Austrian Archduke-1914

28 June, Gavrilo Princip assassinates Archduke Ferdinand in Bosnia. 28 July Austria blames Serbia for the killing and uses this as an excuse to attack Serbia 29 July Russia begins to mobilize (get ready) its army in defence of ally (friend) Serbia. 1 August In response Germany prepares to help its ally Austria. Britain mobilizes its warships 3 August, Germany declares war on France 4 August German soldiers march through neutral Belgium. Britain and Belgium declare war on Germany 6 August Austria declares war on Russia 12 August Britain and France declare war on Austria. BUT WHY DID ALL THESE COUNTRIES FIGHT?

…let’s go back in time

Growing Nationalism-1800’s

Austria losing ‘her’ power early 1800’s

Germany takes away French land 1871

European Empires Scramble for Africa c-1881

Arguments in the Balkans-1910

British/ German naval Race 1900+

Alliance systems 1900’s

Serbian Nationalist Gavrillo Princip Shoots the Austrian Archduke-1914

The Domino effect 28 June, Gavrilo Princip assassinates Archduke Ferdinand in Bosnia. 28 July Austria blames Serbia for the killing and uses this as an excuse to attack Serbia 29 July Russia begins to mobilize (get ready) its army in defence of ally (friend) Serbia. 1 August In response Germany prepares to help its ally Austria. Britain mobilizes its warships 3 August, Germany declares war on France 4 August German soldiers march through neutral Belgium. Britain and Belgium declare war on Germany 6 August Austria declares war on Russia 12 August Britain and France declare war on Austria. A BIG European war is ready to begin