1914
The rivalries and alliances of 19th Century Imperialism, particularly the ambitions of the young German Empire, produce a tinderbox of nationalistic posturing in Europe in the early 20th century. The match is lit when Archduke Ferdinand, next in line to the Austro-Hungarian throne, on a visit to the recently annexed state of Bosnia, is assassinated by a Bosnian-Serb nationalist in late June 1914. Austria, long annoyed by Serbian rabble-rousing in its slavic vassal states, declares war on Serbia. Russia mobilizes to defend its ally Serbia. Germany, long planning a campaign against European foes, encourages it's ally Austria to attack, while demanding Russia demobilize. Russia doesn't and Germany declares war on Russia. Germany seeks a European hegemony both east and west, depending on a quick capitulation from Russia's ally France before the more arduous eastern campaign. While the Austrians, Russians and Serbians begin their skirmishes, Germany declares war on Belgium upon its refusal to be traversed and pounds the stubborn Belgians in its advance on Paris. Belgium's ally England is obligated to declare war on Germany. Barely a week has passed since the assassination. Within a month, the French, in a hurried mobilization, manage miraculously to stall the Germans at the Marne creating an entrenched western front that will last 4 years.