check" and unconditional support from Germany, a strong urging of action also came with it. This support may have led to an irreversible action signifying the start of WWI.Germany's insistence that Austria-Hungary strike immediately may have been the key reason for Austria-Hungary's retaliation. After their initial declaration of support of their ally, the Germans increasingly pressured them to strike. When the Austro-Hungarian point of ultimatum to Serbia, which included public expression of fault, judicial measures against those who may be involved and immediate elimination of all possible anti-Austro-Hungarian propaganda, among other points was rejected, it was hardly a surprise to those involved in its construction, such as German Under-Secretary of State Zimmerman. This event signified the success of this pressure and Germans realizing their goal for Austria-Hungary if not for themselves. This ultimatum would not only give Austria-Hungary power over Serbia, but also be "Incompatible with [Serbia's] dignity as a sovereign state." When Austria-Hungary finally declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, it was no longer the quick action that Germany wanted, rather a premeditated attack.With this declaration of war, the power balance of Europe was upset. Russia, not wanting a substantial power, in the form of Austria-Hungary, to build strength with a victory over Serbia on its doorstep, was quick to become involved. Russia immediately mobilized forces in response to the Austro-Hungarian military mobilization that had occurred so closely to their nation. It wasn't a response to impose war, they claimed, but one of protection of Russia. Thus, both major alliances were brought into the new war, which had by now become irreversible. Therefore, the Black Hand's actions eventually cause World War I, but is still may have been avoided had one last event not occurred.The last key event in the cause of World War I, in my opinion,...
