111 years ago today, July 28, 1914 (June 6, 1914 in the lunar calendar), the Austro-Hungarian Empire went to war on Serbia. On June 28, 1914, when a young Serbian nationalist opened fire in Sarajevo, the bullet fired from his pistol may have been the first shot in a European war. The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife disrupted the already difficult calm in Europe. This continent is a barrel of explosives. Countries quickly armed, draining their national strength and shocking the world. Germany has leapt to the top of military spending. It decided to significantly expand its military and increased Germany's military budget by 50%. It spent DM 1.4 billion last year, and this year's budget has soared to DM 2.24 billion. And Germany is not the only country, Russia spent 1.8 billion rubles, and Britain and France are not far behind. The friendship that existed between Russia and Germany in the past has completely disappeared, while the competition between Austria and Russia in the Balkans has intensified. Both countries want to expand their influence in the region. Russia fears that Austria will retaliate for the assassination of the archduke by attacking Serbia and strengthening its power in the Balkans. Tsar Nicolas II apparently discussed his concerns with French President Poincre last week. Hours after the talks, the tsar announced his support for Serbia, despite signs that the assassination of the archduke was planned in Serbia. Germany also exerted pressure on Austria, proving difficult in the Balkans. Earlier this month, Wilhelm II received a letter from the German Ambassador of Vienna. The Kaiser wrote in the margin: "It is now or never. We must eliminate Serbia forever." Austria has been hesitant about the use of force in the Balkans. But the assassination and German pressure put an end to the uncertainty. On July 23, Vienna issued an ultimatum to Serbia. Austria asked for permission to assist Serbian police in investigating the assassination. Serbia protested but finally agreed. It was clear that Germany feared that once the Russians had completed their task of rearming themselves, they would attack Germany in 1916. To this end, the Kaiser and his government may be planning a pre-emptive attack on Russia. Then Germany would have trouble on its west side. Russia and France have been allied for more than 20 years, and there is no doubt that France wants to regain Alsace and Lorraine from Germany. Whether Britain will enter the war is unclear.