... various diametrically opposed ethnic groups which fell under the Austro-Hungarian umbrella (taken from www.firstworldwar.com). Austria-Hungary argued that the Serbian government was responsible for the actions of the Black Hand and that the assassins must be brought to justice, to the tune of which an ultimatum was sent thus effectively demanding sovereignty over Serbian domestic affairs. British Foreign secretary Earl Gray called the ultimatum "the most formidable document ever presented by one independent state to another (taken from Merriman, 1996, p1031). Austria-Hungary expected Serbia to reject the ultimatum giving Austria-Hungary reason to declare war on Serbia. Although the puny Serbia blatantly posed no threat to Austria-Hungary the Russian (Slav) empire most definitely did. Whilst not really expecting that Russia would be drawn into the dispute except so far as via diplomatic protest, the Austro-Hungarian government sought assurances from her ally, Germany, that she would come to her aid should Russia declare war ...

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