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The Triple Alliance was formed in 1882. This alliance was formed by Germany, Italy, ad Austria-Hungary.
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France and Russia formed a military alliance in 1894.
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The Triple Entente was formed in 1907. This was created by France, Britain, and Russia.
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Serbia was supported by Russia when they chose to create a large, independent Slavic state in the Balkans. Austria-Hungary wanted to prevent that from happening.
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Archduke Francis Ferdinand was the heir to the throme of Austria-Hungary. The terrorist group, the Black Hand, wanted Bosnia to be free of Austria-Hungary and to become part of the Serbian kingdom. This group threw a bomb at the archduke's car, but it bounced off and exploded behind their car. However, Gavrilo Princip ended up shooting the archduke and his wife.
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With Germany's support, Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia. They demanded such extreme things that Serbia had to reject them in order to preserve its sovereignty.
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Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
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Czar Nicholas II ordered partial mobilization of the Russian army against Austria-Hungary. At this time, mobilization was considered an act of war.
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After figuring out that they could not partially mobilize, the czar ordered full mobilization of the Russian army.
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Germany declared war on Russia.
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Germany declared war on France. At about the same time, Germany issued an ultimatum to Belgium demanding the right of German troops to pass through Belgian territory. However, Belgium was a neutral nation.
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Great Britain declared war on Germany officially for violating Belgian neutrality. At this point, all of the great powers in Europe were at war.
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Idependence was achieved in 1921 by the Irish.
