I still have no idea why World War I was fought.
I’m sure that it wasn’t just because Archduke Ferdinand was shot. That was the excuse, sure, but whoever he is and whatever position he held, that wasn’t the cause of the war. They never really covered that in history class.
Not So Fast 
It was complicated. There was a lot of political stress. Interestingly, the German and English were on relatively reasonable terms prior to the war. The German Kaiser Wilhelm was one of Queen Victoria’s grandchildren.
However, the Kaiser wanted his toys — a strong fleet. The British prided itself on a fleet prepared to best the next two greatest fleets. So when the Germans ramped up production starting in the 1890s or so, the English felt compelled to follow suit. This led to stress on both sides. Basically, the English felt the Germans were saber rattling to an extreme degree.
It’s important to understand that neither the German nor English governments sought this war, and neither of them can honestly be accused of provoking the war.
Ultimately, war happened for no good reason. There were a lot of confusing, conflicting and secret treaties between various countries, so what started as a regional conflict was allowed to blow up, at least in part due to the political stresses of the times.
Archduke Ferdinand was murdered by a Serb nationalist. The Serbs living in portions of Austria-Hungray sought to reunite with the rest of serbia, which of course, Austria-Hungary did not intend to allow.
From there, Austria-Hungary sought war on Serbia. Serbia was a Russian ally, and of course, Austria-Hungary was a German ally.
The French were Russian allies.
The Germans then demanded free passage of German troops through Belgium. The English couldn’t allow a substantial violation of Belgium neutrality. Thus, the English were drawn in.
And that’s how it started. Serbians wanting freedom from Austria-Hungary picked a fight. Austria-Hungary goes after Serbia, drawing in the Russians. German treaties with Austria drew the Germans in. The French were unable to proclaim neutrality in the conflict due to their treaties with Russia, so the Germans declared war on both Russia and France (in that order).
The Germans then involved the British by violating Belgian neutrality.
All that war because of a relatively minor province wanting freedom. All those people dead. Hard to believe, huh?
No wonder they never explained it in history class. Sheesh, that’s a dumb reason for a world war.
Oh my gosh! Someone smart reads your blog. I’m going to have to rethink my opinions about those living in states that don’t touch a coast.
Don’t worry, no doubt Joe is from Washington, which, as you most likely know, does have a coast. Your prejudice is safe.