The alliances that had been made before 1914 made it unlikely that any conflict was to be kept a small or local affair. When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28th 1914, Germany had already offered support to Austria against Serbia. This immediately brought Russia in conflict with the Germans, this was because Russia was allied with Serbia (both being Slavic nations). Serbia was therefore at war with Austria-Hungary and Germany. Russia helping Serbia triggered German to declare war on Russia, this happened only three days after, on August 1st. After this Germany declared war on France, due to the increase in tension and alliance France had with Russia. Germany had to resort to the Schlieffen Plan, which committed them to attacking France through Belgium due to the increased French defence on the France-Germany border, later called the Maginot line. This meant that Germany had invaded Belgium, meaning the week Belgium forces were now at war with Germany. Britain was allied with Belgium guaranteeing that if another country was to attack them Britain would come in and support. This German action caused Britain to declare war on Germany on August 4th, a move that was heavily supported by the British people due to the hate of the German. Germany had now invaded France through Belgium, Germany was now fighting a two-front war with France attacking from one side of their country and Russia the other.
