Serbia

wished to
unite all
Serbs into a
greater
Serbian
State.
Strengthene
d by the
Balkan Wars.

Austria Hungary felt isolated by Serbian

Nationalism. They were concerned that
Serbs within their empire would wish to
become part of a greater Serbia, leading
to the break up of the Austro Hungarian
Empire. Fully supported by Germany, they
became determined to crush Serbia.

Germany was determined to back their ally

Austria regardless of the consequences.
Furthermore, they had made it clear that
they didnt favour close relations with
Russia.

Russia saw
herself as
the protector
of all Slavic
people and
so supported
Serbia.