Austrian Motivations During World War 1

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John O’Neill 6* 3/11/11 Austrian Motivations during World War One The factors that contributed the most to Austria-Hungary’s role during World War One were the trouble in the Balkans, the countrie's involvement in an increasingly complex web of alliances, and the intellectual movement of nationalism. In 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist who was protesting Austria’s involvement in the Balkan nations, it was this event that sparked the powder keg that was early 20th century Europe. In the years between 1879 and 1914 Austria was involved in a complex web of alliances with nations like Germany, Romania, Russia, and Italy; this greatly complicated the nation’s motivations during the time. The nationalist movement of the late 19th century created a feeling of “us versus them,” this added to Austria’s motives to enter the war by forcing the nation to enter into an ultimatum with Serbia, as well as creating opposition with many other countries. Austria was propelled into World War One by its imperialistic motives, its involvement in multiple alliances, and the nationalist movement of the late 19th century. In 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist who was protesting Austria’s involvement in the Balkan nations, it was this event that sparked the powder keg that was early 20th century Europe. The imperialist movement of the late 19th century led to the annexation by Austria of Bosnia and Herzegovina, two providences with large populations of Serbs; this caused the Serbian Kingdom to cry out in outrage. Following the annexation of the territories the Archduke was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a passionate Serbian nationalist. This event led Austria to believe that Serbia should be punished, and this was done through an ultimatum which would have been impossible for the nation to
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