Why World War One

Many historians look to an event of June 28, 1914 as a pivotal point that sparked war in Europe. On this date Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo. Gavrilo Princip was a Serbian terrorist and member of the terrorist organization, the Black Hand. In a Time Life Magazine piece, the publication, explains the situation with the use of a photograph taken less than three hours before the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Serbian rebels were hiding in support of the several assassins who were chartered with carrying out the executions (MacMillan). It had appeared that Ferdinand and his wife were escaping after the initial attack; however, due to the driver’s error in the escape and while he struggled to find reverse for the vehicle, the assassins killed Ferdinand and Sophie “point blank” (MacMillan). This would cause a complicated series of diplomatic events. Some of these events would be referred to as the July Crisis ("The”).

Although there were alliances that were emerging around the world, this would trigger a chain reaction and lead to fostering relationships. The great European powers would be engaged in war five weeks after this major event in Europe (MacMillan). Alliances were formed with the Austria-Hungarian’s being supported by Germany and coming against Serbia (MacMillan). Russia would come to the defense of Serbia while Germany would declare war on Russia and France with Britain coming to assist (MacMillan). After the assassination Austria-Hungary would put pressure on Serbia, who denied involvement ("The”). Russia would make clear that they would not tolerate any threat to Serbia’s independence, and France would also reiterate this as Russia’s ally ("The”). The United States would immediately take up a neutral position in this growing global conflict. Even Britain was reluctant to make any commitments at first.

Yet, eventually all diplomatic measures would give way to multiple declarations of war. Now the formation of the Central Powers and the Allied Powers would come to fruition. The Central Powers would include Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, while the Allied Powers included Britain, France, and Russia. Eventually the United States and Japan would enter this war which would last four years (MacMillan). Over nine million soldiers would lose their lives in this horrible conflict which would also catapult dangerous extremism, such as communism and fascism (MacMillan).

The geographic lines of Europe and the Middle East would be forever altered during and after this crucial time in history. As Time Life’s Margaret MacMillan states, “We cannot look at the photograph made on that sunny day in Sarajevo without the awful knowledge that the deaths of that smiling man and woman were going to change the world forever” (MacMillan).