Before World War One began, Serbia, an independent country in 1878, wanted Slavic territories that belonged to Austria-Hungary to belong to them. Russia supported Serbiaesires because they wanted Slavs under Russian rule. Great Britain was against Pan-Slavism. They thought the decision would make Russia too powerful. The event that sparked the start of World War One was on the day of June 28th, 1914 when a secret man riding in an open automobile hired by Serbia assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Francis Ferdinand. The man who was the assassinator was Gavrilo Princip who was apart of one of the many secret societies of Serbian Nationalists. He acted by himself with out Serbian permission but the Serbian Nationalists did provide a gun and ammunition. Since France and Russia became Allies in 1894, and Great Britain joined the alliance in 1907, these countries became known as the Triple Entente. During this time, France and Russia had secret agreements with Italy. The reason Russia became allies with France was because they needed loans due to the revolution. Bismarckear of Franco-Russian alliance became a reality that produced a two front war. They thought France would try to seek revenge for its 1871 defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. 23
Due to the assassination, Austria-Hungary made an ultimation for Serbia. If Serbia didnccept, Austria-Hungary would use force therefore starting a war. Serbia did have Russiaupport so they rejected the ultimation. Austria-Hungary was furious about Serbiaecisions that they wanted to make sure that Serbia would be punished. They made sure they had Germanyupport, and they did! Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia July 28, 1914. 24 Just one month later, Russia put its troops on German border. Germany got so angry that they made an ultimation for Russia to get out of Germany. Russia disregarded the demand so Germany declared war on them on August 1, 1914. 25
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Rasputin in World War I Russiaconomy wasnetting any better because of the war. Rasputinnfluence over the war resulted in many loses. Plans in a second revolution increased and the people who supported them increased millions. The Duma was tired of being ignored, so they made several demands that they presented to the tsar. These demands included a choice of either putting a stop to the war or abdication of the tsar. Nicholas took the advice of his wife that was influenced by Rasputin, and took total control of the Russo Army. He didnant to yield to the Duma nor betray the Allies. This was a big mistake! 26 . . |
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This is a picture of Nicholas II, of Russia, and George V, of England. Allies in World War I. . . . |
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