World War I was a war that lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved and was shaped around alliances. This war in Europe would eventually turn into a global war involving 32 countries. The involvement of the United States was crucial to the outcome of World War I and had serious consequences in our country. Americans experienced both positive and negative effects during and even long after the war. Many Americans had mixed feelings about entering a war that would affect society. The war began in 1914 in Europe, and the United States did not become involved until three years after the war began. The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand on June 28 was one of the elements that sparked the war. After the assassination on July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Just days after Serbia and Austria-Hungary declared war, Germany would declare war on Russia and France. Germany and Russia were drawn into the war due to Germany's alliance with Austria-Hungary and Russia's alliance with Serbia. Germany's invasion of Belgium would draw Britain into the war. This war, also called "The Great War", was a war of alliances and the two sides involved in the war were the "Allies" and the "Central Powers". The first three nations involved in the "Allies" (Russia, France and Great Britain) were given the nickname the "Triple Entente". Countries also involved alongside the Allies were Serbia, Belgium, Japan, Montenegro, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. New Zealand, Canada and South Africa were ultimately involved because of their links to Britain. Every time the United States entered the war, it wanted to remain neutral rather than join the "Allies." Finally, the Uni...... middle of paper ......uhle, Susan H. Armitage, Daniel H. Czitrom. Among many others: a history of the American people. Pearson Education, 2011. 592-620. Roberts, Priscilla Mary. First World War. ABC-CLIO, 2006. Turner, William. Essentials of United States History. Research and Education Association, 1990. Evans, Martin Marix. American Voices from World War I. Taylor & Francis, 2001. Hook, Sue Vander. The United States enters World War I. ABDO, 2010. John Mack Faragher, Mari Jo Buhle, Susan H. Armitage, Daniel H. Czitrom. “About Many: A History of the American People.” » John Mack Faragher, Mari Jo Buhle, Susan H. Armitage, Daniel H. Czitrom. Among many others: a history of the American people. Pearson Education, 2011. 592-620. Roberts, Priscilla Mary. First World War. ABC-CLIO, 2006. Turner, William. Essentials of United States History. Research and Education Association, 1990.