THE WAR BEGINS Distrust had been growing for years among these nations, who had been building up their military forces. Each nation tried to gain more power by grabbing colonies in Asia and Africa. The drive for colonies only increased the distrust and rivalry in Europe. Several times before, between 1900 and 1914, Europe had almost gone to war. Each time, peace was preserved by diplomacy or loss of nerve by one nation or another. But after June 28, 1914, there was no turning back.
Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28. Russia mobilized its armies to protect Serbia. The web of alliances began to trap the nations of Europe one by one. Germany, allied with Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia and France. Soon after, Britain declared war on Germany. Before it was over, the war that was triggered at Sarajevo spread around the globe. It became the first world war in history. Three great monarchies fell--in Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Communists seized power in Russia. Later, fascism was born in Italy and eventually spread to Germany. What happened to Gavrilo Princip? Too young for the death penalty, he was sentenced to twenty years in prison. He died less than two years later of tuberculosis. At that time, in 1916, the war was still raging. It is doubtful whether Princip ever realized what he started.

12. Explain how the Archduke's death specifically led to WWI.