Читать книгу Over Here and Over There - Harry Bobonich - Страница 7

For the most part, the rest of the world did not pay much attention to the Sarajevo “incident;” the Austrians, however, who were furious over the assassination, made demands from Serbia since they believed that they were behind the crime. The negotiations did not resolve the matter and Austria was ready to declare war on Serbia. Russia then stated that she would mobilize her armies if Austria declared war on Serbia.

The assassination, which did not immediately start the war, took place during a time when there were escalating tensions in the Balkans. Alliances between major powers resulted in two large groups of nations: The Triple Entente included Britain, France and Russia; while the Germany, Austria-Hungary alliance was known as the Central Powers. Shortly afterwards, other nations would join in the war.

Europe, which was now divided into two armed camps, became involved in a complex chain of political confrontations following the assassination. Only one month later on July 28, after Serbia rejected Austria’s ultimatum, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. As the two opposing alliances rushed to help one another, they soon began to declare war on each other resulting in a domino effect. It turned out to be a clash of empires.

Assassinations have gone on for several thousand years. While others are much better known, this Sarajevo killing ranks as one of the most important of all time. It set in motion one of the bloodiest conflicts in history. The Sarajevo “shooting happening” ushered us into the modern era; and now we are living in that world that WWI shaped.

Winston Churchill said, “No part of the Great War compares in interest with its opening. The measured, silent drawing together of gigantic forces, the uncertainty of their movements and positions, the number and unknowable facts made the first collision a drama never surpassed.”