Was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand the direct cause that led the Great Powers of Europe into war? It seems the answer is yes, but only when the events leading up to the war are put into context. It was not simply the assassination of the Archduke that catapulted this war, it was the hostility that had been brewing within the European countries for decades prior. The growth of industrialization, the increased economic rivalry, and the need to be the strongest country all tied in to the general tensions of this time period.
Is it possible that Europe was hanging on by a thread and any slight act of aggression could have set them off? I think so... it just so happened to be the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in this case. Europe was in a very delicate state during these years, and the formation of alliances just brought everyone in at once.
Is it possible that Europe was hanging on by a thread and any slight act of aggression could have set them off? I think so... it just so happened to be the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in this case. Europe was in a very delicate state during these years, and the formation of alliances just brought everyone in at once.