If the blame HAD to be placed on a specific State, who caused WWI?

by Jalexxandria

WWI is seen as a combination of factors building up, and consequently exploding, but which State had the most to do with these factors, to the point that blame could be placed on them?

DuxBelisarius

but which State had the most to do with these factors, to the point that blame could be placed on them?

I wouldn't say one state with regards to the lead up to war, as "unilateral war guilt" was never asserted nor was it the issue with the Versailles Treaty, as I've elucidated in numerous answers. With regards to the July Crisis, Germany's actions, especially the Blank Check and the declarations of war on Russia and France lead to the outbreak of WWI.

FrankVillain

Tough one.

Can we say Austria-Hungary? By invading Bosnia & Herzegovina and because the July Ultimatum followed by the declaration of war to Serbia?

Just asking historians.

youreagoodmancharlie

This is an extremely difficult question, but the blame could realistically be put on Austria-Hungary for declaring war on Serbia before investigating whether Ferdinand's assassin was affiliated with the Serbian government, or one Germany for encouraging and facilitating the invasion of Serbia.