Origins of World War 1

The Great War began in central Europe in July, 1914. Many interwined factors contributed to the outbreak of the war, including the conflicts and hostility between Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Austria-Hungarian Empire and Russia. The rivalry lasted for 4 decades, before War was declared.

The origins of War lay in the decisions made by generals and statesmen during the July Crisis, which was in 1914. An incident of war caused the assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife by Gavrilo Princip, who was an unredeemed Serb. Archduke Franz Ferdinand was heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, and announced that when he became Emperor, he would make changes that were not mutual with the citizens. Therefore, he was very unpopular. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assasinated by Gravilo Princip; He was shot in the neck, his wife was shot in her pregnant belly.

The main cause was the competition for territory and influence in the land. Austria-Hungary competed against Serbia and Russia, and therefore created tensions against those countries and therefore created a battle. Claiming the most territory was very important to the countries, and having the least can humiliate and make a country vulnerable. So, these countries were competing for land, to have the position as a Great Power. Austria was holding the position, and was fighting to maintain their reputation and strength.