Coulsdon Eagle
Monthly Donor
Each of the major powers had justifiable reasons for entering the war, if looked at in isolation and without the benefit of hindsight. If Wilhelm II or Nicholas II had any idea of what would happen when Pandora's Box was opened they certainly wouldn't have gone to war. Mind you, impression I get of Franz Josef was he thought the Empire was doomed and wanted to go out on his shield.
I refer to major powers as Belgium had little choice in the matter, and Serbia for two reasons: elements in Serbia's government & armed forces certainly knew of, and in some cases planned & assisted with Franz Ferdinand's assassination; and the Austrian decalred war on them.
Much prefer Blackadder's opinion: two great armed camps would maintain the peace - only problem: it was bollox!
I refer to major powers as Belgium had little choice in the matter, and Serbia for two reasons: elements in Serbia's government & armed forces certainly knew of, and in some cases planned & assisted with Franz Ferdinand's assassination; and the Austrian decalred war on them.
Much prefer Blackadder's opinion: two great armed camps would maintain the peace - only problem: it was bollox!