Question

The 1914 and 1939 Wars that engulfed almost the entire world, were known as World Wars due to its unprecedented impact and damage. In this context, Explain the immediate cause of the First World War.

Accepted Answer

Answer

Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria was assassinated at Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. This assassination was carried out by a secret society called "Union of Death" formed by extremist Serbian nationalists whose aim was to unite all Serbians into a single state.

Austria served an ultimatum to Serbia making 11 demands. Serbia accepted most of them except those that would have led to the loss of sovereignty. On July 28, 1914, Austria declared war on Serbia. This was the beginning of the First World War.