The document provides background information on the causes and early events of World War I. It discusses the system of alliances between European powers prior to the war, including the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, and the Triple Entente of Britain, France, and Russia. Rising nationalism and militarism exacerbated tensions caused by these opposing alliances. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, drawing the rest of the allied powers into war. Germany attempted to quickly defeat France through Belgium but this drew Britain into the war against Germany.