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The UVF and the Outbreak of War The Irish Home Rule Bill was introduced in 1914. The Ulster Unionists were not happy. Events in Europe were threatening. The Triple Alliance, Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary were flexing their muscles. The Triple Entente, Britain, France and Russia watched them warily. The Russians and Austria-Hungary had long been rivals in the Balkans. This was all about empire, religion and ethnic ties. The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo. Austria gave the Serbs an ultimatum which they knew they could not accept and this led to Austria declaring war on Serbia. The Austro-Hungarian emperor, Franz Josef, expected German support and got it. Russia mobilised for Serbia. Germany demanded that Russia should de-mobilise. Russia refused and Germany declared war. Italy declared neutrality as did Belgium and the Netherlands. Germany issued an ultimatum and declared war on France. Germany invaded Belgium despite its neutrality and it was at this stage that Britain felt she could not stay out of it and declared war on Germany on August 4th.
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