answersLogoWhite

0

When Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary presented the rebellious Serbs with an ultimatum that they knew could not reasonably be met. Russia's self appointed status as the defender of all Slavic peoples brought it into direct conflict with Austria-Hungary over the incident. Years earlier, Austria-Hungary allied itself with Germany, and Russia allied itself with England and France, resulting in what is known as a "balance of power." When Russia and Austria-Hungary entered a state of war, the other great European powers automatically entered the war as well.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?