How did the first world war originate?

Answer 1

After the Franco-Prussian War, Europe was in a delicate diplomatic state. The Ottoman Empire was losing control over the Balkans, and both Russia, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were jockeying for position to exercise control over the region. France was still stinging over their defeat at the hands of Prussia (later part of unified Germany) and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. Also the major colonial powers of England, France, Germany were finding the world a shrinking place.

After the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Austria proposed crippling conditions upon Serbia on the threat of invasion. Effectively Serbia would have to give up all control to Austria. Due to this threat, Russia mobilized along their south west border with Austria (protecting their trade routes in the Black Sea and their alliance with Serbisa) which prompted the Austrian invasion of Serbia. Due to a previous alliance, Germany were forced to follow Austria's lead. This led to Russia declaring against Austria and Germany, then Germany declaring against Russia's ally, France, then promptly invading Belgium. England, who up to then had tried to negotiate peace with the powers, issued an ultimatum to Germany to pull out of Belgium, then declared war on Germany and her allies when they did not. Later Japan and Italy then finally the US sided with the allies, and Turkey siding with Germany and her allies.