Looking back at World War I, one of the most tragic events of the 20th century that left a long-lasting impact on the world, who would have thought that an assassination would shake up decades of smouldering hatred in Europe and cause a full-blown war involving 30 nations?
July 28 marks the 107th anniversary of the great war that cost 17 million lives and left 21 million injured around the globe.
To understand the origins of World War I, one must examine some of the key historical events of 1879, especially the 'bilateral alliance' signed by Germany and Austria-Hungary the same year. In just three years time, this alliance was joined by another major power, Italy. Their aim was to decolonise several countries outside the ambit of Europe, a move that meant going against three major colonial powers, Britain, France and Russia.
