Question

Which of the following correctly lists the alliances that fell into place after the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Duchess Sofia? A. Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire versus Serbia, Russia, France and Great Britain B. Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Serbia versus France, Germany, Russia and Great Britain C. Serbia, France, and Russia versus Austria Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, Germany, and Great Britain D. Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary and France versus Serbia, Germany and Great Britain

Answer 1

Austria-Hungary was aligned with Germany during both first and second war (then only Austria) - so they have to be on the same side (this excludes options B and D).

Also, Great Britain was against Germany and Austria-Hungary, so we can exclude option C.

The correct answer is the following one:

A. Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire versus Serbia, Russia, France and Great Britain

Answer 2

Answer:    A. Austria-Hungary, Germany and the Ottoman Empire versus Serbia, Russia, France and Great Britain

Explanation:  After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, Austria Hungary sought help from Germany, if, after the ultimatum issued to Serbia, Russia enter into a conflict on the side of Serbia. Since Germany guaranteed help to Austria Hungary, the ultimatum was issued to Serbia, which of course was rejected, followed by a declaration of war to Serbia, Russia entered the war on the side of Serbia, then Germany on the side of Austria,  also Western allies enter the war against Germany and Austria Hungary.