Austria—Hungary and Serbia

Abstract

The First World War began over a local war, launched by the Dual Monarchy of Austria—Hungary against Serbia. The local war led almost instantaneously to a confrontation between the two blocs into which the six European Great Powers were divided (see Map 1). The Triple Alliance, dating from 1882, linked Austria—Hungary with Germany and Italy. The Triple Entente was based on the Franco-Russian Alliance, formed in 1891–4, with which Britain normally co-operated. Although Italy opted to stay neutral, Germany encouraged Austria—Hungary to attack Serbia, and was willing to risk and fight a general war rather than settle the issue peacefully. Russia was prepared to fight the Triple Alliance rather than see Serbia crushed; France to fight rather than repudiate its alliance with Russia; and Britain to fight rather than see France overwhelmed.