To be honest, I never read very far into it. Most of the little bit I did, points to the alliances and pledges of mutual defense, and how these started the vortex after Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated.
One thing that is certain in all cases is the fact that if your enemies perceive you to be weak, you can count on them trying to take advantage of it.
7mm

"Preserving the Constitution, fighting off the nibblers and chippers, even nibblers and chippers with good intentions, was once regarded by conservatives as the first duty of the citizen. It still is." � Wesley Pruden