The realism theory describes World War One the best because it is “based on the view that describes the individual as primarily fearful, selfish and power seeking” (Mingst, 2011). WWI was initially a war between two countries, Austria-Hungary and Serbia; but due to assassinations, the strength of alliances, binds by treaties, and increasing security dilemma, more and more countries entered the war until it manifested into a complete World War. Countries increased their weaponry and made other nations apprehensive. Even countries that felt compelled to stay neutral became fearful of the ever increasing power of countries in the war. Countries began to struggle for a balance of power, and the war outbreak was a product of the multi-polarity of power. “World War One by realist perspective, can be described by changes in the European balance of power, with distinctions drawn among the rigid alliances argument, which claims that the war was caused by an inflexible continental bipolarity; the future imbalances argument, which maintains that Germany's fear of Russia's growing power triggered the war; and hegemonic decline, which explains World War I by citing Britain's waning status as a superpower” (Nau, 2011).
After years of hostility and aggression between the European superpowers and large states, the balance of power began to be challenged. The Serbians in 1914 assassinated the Arch-duke, Franz Ferdinand, of Austria-Hungary. The country counteracted and “issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which would bring the assassins to justice. And with that action Serbia’s sovereignty was nullified” (Duffy Michael, 2009). Since Serbia did not succumb to the harsh demands of Austria-Hungary, “preventative” war was declared on Serbia on July 28,...
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...ting power over Austria-Hungary, it assassinated its rival’s arch-duke as a means of disarming them and ridding them of a leader. The “Great War” came to be such, because countries which were significantly more powerful than Serbia and Austria-Hungary joined the war and chose sides to infiltrate and gain superiority over other countries. So the war was initiated by the power seeking of a small nation.
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In the July Crisis Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire) despite not having conclusive proof. Austria-Hungary asked for German support to "eliminate Serbia as a power factor in the Balkans". Germany agreed, offering her full support for Austria- Hungary to start a war with Serbia, and this became known as the "blank cheque". Austria-Hungary and Germany could not have failed to realise the possibility of Russian intervention and a European war, suggesting to me that war was their objective. Austria-Hungary issued an impossible ultimatum to Serbia, which was likely to provoke a war. Serbia was given only 48 hours to reply, so was forced to think quickly, or other countries would be mobilized and ready to attack. Serbia accepted all but one point of the ultimatum. Consequently war was announced. If given more time Serbia could have discussed the issue further in a conference. The British foreign minister, Grey suggested a conference, but this was rejected by Germany and Austria-Hungary, suggesting that they had deliberate aims for war during the Balkan Crisis, rather than the Balkan Crisis being mismanaged.
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In June 28, 1914, countries still searched for the power that was seen during the age of imperialism, but how can anyone conquer a nation that is already civilized?To that the answer is war. A war that can cause one's boundary lines to increase and bring pride to one's country. War is the answer, but how does one start a war? At the time of the death of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand the world was at the fringe of war. Nations searched for a reason to regain honor and to test their military capability. All the strain that was within and between countries with nationalism, the arms' race, and civil strife accumulated. Until finally an event which at first was only between two nations lead to war, but not just any war, this was World War I. This event occurred in Bosnia, Sarajevo where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austria-Hungary Empire was assassinated . Franz Ferdinand's death ensued the start of World War I which laid the foundation of how future wars would be fought, and later to the end of the Austria-Hungary Empire.
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... On 28 June, 1914, the assassination was successful and this was the action that triggered war. Austria-Hungary wanted revenge because their next ruler was killed so they declared war against Serbia. This is what caused the war. The Alliances ties in with these events as Austria-Hungary formed an alliance with Germany who also went to war with Serbia.
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