The causes of First World War is still a controversal topic.Exteriorly,the relation between Germany and France was the most important factor which resulted the First World War.In fact,the Austro-Serbian relations should not be ignored and this essay is going to prove that it provoked the First World War undoubtedly.
In the late 19th century,Austria-Hungary was a multi-racial empire which was declining because of the unification of Germany and Italy.On the other hand, Serbia was a growing power in the Balkans which kept a good relationship with Russia.However,both Austria-Hungary and Serbia wanted to gain the control of the Balkans because of her remarkable geographical location.The Balkans consisted of different small states like Serbia,Bulgaria,Greece,etc.She was a special region in Europe since it was located on the convergence of the Europe,Asia and Africa.The unique location of the Balkans created a lot of conflicts among European powers even the Balkan states.Therefore,the Balkans was recognized as a powder keg in Europe.
In Austria-Hungary,the increasing population and the lack of resources fostered her to expand her territory.She captured the excellent location and rich resource in the Balkans and wanted to extend its influence in the Balkans.
In Serbia,the spread of Slavism aweakened the nationalism of the Serbian,they aimed to get rid of the rule of the big powers and wanted to form a big independent Serbia.
Both of them were ambitous about the Balkans,conflicts were thus resulted in 19th century.For example,Bosnian Crisis in 1908 and the Balkan War in 1912.Their relation worsen eventually.The Balkan War was a strong evidence to show the hostility between Austria-Hungary and Serbia before the start of the First World War.After defeating the Ottomen Empire,the former dominating power in the Balkans,Serbia got a lot of lands and she got the seaport to trade with other contries and expand to the