World War I: The Alliance System Domino Effect

               The alliance system was one of the crucial components that led to the first major world war and many describe it as a "domino effect." It all began when Austria Hungary became upset that the death of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was caused by a secret society in Siberia called Black Hand. Austria Hungary wanted to lead an official attack on Siberia and wanted to crush its authority. Instead of directly attacking Siberia, Austria Hungary offered an ultimatum and demanded that the assassins be brought to justice.

               At the time, Siberia was in alliance with Russia and Austria Hungary was in alliance with Germany and they assured aid in the case that Russia declared war. Siberia was indifferent about the ultimatum and unsatisfied so they declared war on July 28th, 1914. Russia began its mobilization of troops and Germany declared war on Russia on August 1st. Slowly but surely, that is how the domino effect took place.

               France was bound to a treaty to Russia and fought against Germany invaded Belgium on August 3rd. Britain loosely worded treaty and moral obligation to France, war on Germany on August 4th and was committed to defending Belgium. With Britain's entry into the war, military and financial assistance included Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

               The U.S promised to remain neutral but after the German submarine warfare, Woodrow Wilson broke the the U.S neutralizing law and entered the war on April 6, 1917. Japan honored the military agreement with Britain, therefore declared war on Germany and Austria Hungary declared war on Japan on August 23rd. Italy was part of the triple alliance with Germany and Austria and remained to stay committed to defend both countries only in "defense war".