CON- general development

- long stiring conflict in the Balkans -> main protagonists A-H vs. R.- 1904 creation of the Entente cordiale (F., GB & R.)- General spirit in Europe of an epoch of peace ending- even great parts of the intellectual eliteswere fescinated by the idea of a great war ending an old age and creating a new age- "Balkan "Bahn"(- fear of a two-front war preventing extreme aggression)

CON-July Crisis 1914- assassination of Franz Ferdinand as a trigger- other nations mobilize, too or even before G. (Russia)- A-H foreign minister & ghenerals abuse the G. blank cheque in spite of warnings- GB declares war on G. in spite of G. approaches for a GB-G compromise "just" b/c of the G. violations of B. neutrality