What were the main events that caused World war 1?
There were many events that occurred before 1914 that contributed to the causation of WW1. The industrial revolution that had occurred a century prior to WW1 caused powerful nations to seek raw materials. This created tensions between the powerful nations. The powerful nations were split in two alliances. The triple entente was consisted of France, Russia and Britain, whilst the triple alliance consisted of Germany, Italy and Austro-Hungary. When Kaiser Wilhelm II became emperor he improved the German navy drastically, as he was a firm believer in German imperialism. Britain, who had the most powerful navy in the world expanded her navy in order to stay in front of Germany. This created even more tension between the two ("Causes Of World War One - History Learning Site 2015"). In the lead up to WW1 Germany threatened France, who was Britain’s ally. In 1908 Austro-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina. This move was very unpopular amongst most other European countries, which created even more tension. (Addison 2011)
On June the 28th 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a member of Serbian group, the Black Hand. The Austro-Hungarian empire retaliated by declaring war on Serbia, with the help of a blank cheque sent by Germany, offering to support Austro-Hungary’s invasion of Germany. Russia, who was a supporter of Pan Slavism declared war on Austro-Hungary and in turn Germany declared war on Russia. France and Britain then declared war on Germany and Austro-Hungary. ("World War I For Kids: Causes Of WW1 2016") Australia then offered Britain their help and support, by sending over Australian soldiers to help fight the war. (Addison 2011)