How did the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and the rise of Nationalism combine to spark WWI?

Question

anonymous · Answer

The assassin was part of a group of Serbian nationalists (the Black Hand) that wanted independence for their territories and the Archduke was seen as an obstacle. It set off a domino effect in Europe as different alliances triggered in response to Austria-Hungary's eventual declaration of war against Serbia.

With Serbia threatened, Russia mobilized in response (they were secretly allied with Serbia). Then the German Empire declared war on Russia and France (France was jumping into the war on the side of Russia because they were allies). The United Kingdom then jumped in against Germany.