How World War 1 Began
World War 1 was a global war that was centered in Europe from 28th of July 1914 to 11th of November 1918. It began as a result of tension between significant powers (Austria-Hungary, the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire) within the Balkans (an area of south-eastern Europe). Austria-Hungary controlled Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908. Russia were supporters of the Serbian nationalists, who wished for Bosnia-Herzegovina to be a part of Serbia. Being aware of the ongoing hostility in the Balkans, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary sent his nephew and wife to Bosnia-Herzegovina to visit the city of Sarajevo, believing that the citizens would be enthusiastic and joyful to receive a royal visit. However, on the 28th of June a Serbian nationalist (who was a part of a group called the Black Hand) killed Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie while people lined the streets greeting the royals. As a result of this, Austria-Hungary (also supported by Germany) issued an ultimatum to Serbia that consisted of 10 demands. Serbia accepted 9 but refused the last which involved the officials from Austria-Hungary investigation the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife. On the 28th of July, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia when they failed to accept all terms of the ultimatum. As a result of the alliance system, major global powers (Great Britain, Russia, France etc.) were forced into the war thus sparking the beginning of the First World War (Carrodus, 2013)