How did World War 1 begin in Europe?
History · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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World War I began in Europe primarily due to a complex web of alliances, rising nationalism, militarism, and a series of events triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914. The assassination took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, leading to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. This event triggered a chain reaction of alliances and escalating tensions among European powers. As countries honored their alliances and mobilized their militaries, the conflict rapidly expanded, drawing in various nations across Europe and eventually escalating into a global conflict.