How it all started
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The main reason for the start of World War I can be illustrated with the acronym MANIA.
M: Militarism-Countries built up strong armies
A: Alliances-Agreements between countries forced others into the war
N: Nationalism: Belief that one's country is superior; strong devotion
I: Imperialism: Conquering/Taking over other countries/lands
A: Assasination: Murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Everything began when Serbian terrorist (and nationalist) Gavrilo Princip assasinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28th, 1914. After the death of the archduke, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Both Austria-Hungary and Serbia called for "backup" from their allies. Germany soon became involved in the war, due to their alliance with Austria-Hungary, and Russia soon became involved in the war, due to their alliance with Serbia. Aside from having an alliance with Serbia, Russia also had an alliance with France and Great Britain, bringing them into the war as well.
Soon, two sides had formed: The Triple Entente (aka the Allies) consisting of the main countries, Great Britain, France, and Russia, and The Triple Alliance (aka the Axis Powers) consisting of the main countries, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire (Turkey), and the Kingdom of Bulgaria.
M: Militarism-Countries built up strong armies
A: Alliances-Agreements between countries forced others into the war
N: Nationalism: Belief that one's country is superior; strong devotion
I: Imperialism: Conquering/Taking over other countries/lands
A: Assasination: Murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Everything began when Serbian terrorist (and nationalist) Gavrilo Princip assasinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28th, 1914. After the death of the archduke, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Both Austria-Hungary and Serbia called for "backup" from their allies. Germany soon became involved in the war, due to their alliance with Austria-Hungary, and Russia soon became involved in the war, due to their alliance with Serbia. Aside from having an alliance with Serbia, Russia also had an alliance with France and Great Britain, bringing them into the war as well.
Soon, two sides had formed: The Triple Entente (aka the Allies) consisting of the main countries, Great Britain, France, and Russia, and The Triple Alliance (aka the Axis Powers) consisting of the main countries, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire (Turkey), and the Kingdom of Bulgaria.