Some reasons for the outbreak of WW1, (8 mark question)
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The events in the Balkans were very important in causing the outbreak of the war in 1914.
It was the Turkish Empire which ruled the Balkans. This Empire was also known as "the Ottoman Empire" and by the 20th century, was nicknamed "the sick man of Europe".
Austria-Hungary and Russia were two countries who longed to expand their Empire. By the 20th century, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia. Russia and Austria-Hungary had both tried to take over the Turkish Empire previously and, in so doing, had been to war.
1908 was the year in which the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina came about. Austria-Hungary were delighted whereas Russia was depressed. This caused tension and anxiety between the two countries. There was tension because Russia had agreed to let Austria-Hungary annex Bosnia-Herzegovina if Austria Hungary had allowed Russia access to the Dardanelle Straits which was a narrow channel leading from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean...