At this point, the nations of Europe have been at peace with each other for nearly 30 years. They were trying to achieve a permanent peace. Setting the Stage M- Militarism: Glorifying military power and keeping an army ready for war Nations in Europe believed the only way to achieve greatness is through a powerful military The Ingredients of War M.A.I.N Four Nations began siding with others for a sense of security when war should arise A dispute between two rivals could draw all of Europe into war A-Alliances Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, and Italy Triple Alliance Great Britain, France, and Russia Triple Entente This had European nations competing for title of Greatest Empire overseas This would lead to rivalry and mistrust of one another I-Imperialism National Pride was at an all-time high in Europe Within the Balkan Peninsula, people of Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and other ethnic groups demanded independence N-Nationalism This area was known as the Powder Keg because it could be a trigger to war Serbia had a large Slavic population and hoped to absorb all of the Slavs in their nation Russia supported this, Austria-Hungary did not Crisis in the Balkans Austria annexed (took over) Bosnia which outraged Serbia Tensions were rising and Austria vowed to crush any Serbian effort to undermine its authority Crisis in the Balkans Continued During these tough times, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie(his wife), decided to visit Sarajevo-the capital of Bosnia While in their car, they were assassinated at point-blank range by Gavrilo Princip- A member of the Black Hand The Shot Because the assassin was Serbian, Austria wanted to punish Serbia Declared war on July 28, 1914 after failed negotiations This caused Russia to step in and mobilize their troops towards Austrian border War is Set