Why did German leaders support Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia and its subsequent declaration of war in the wake of the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand in June 1914?
A. They hoped their support would immediately push Britain, France, and Russia to declare war on Serbia and crush a potential Balkan uprising.
B. They hoped to keep France, Britain, and Russia out of the war, ensuring a short conflict that would give them new territory and help consolidate conservative rule in Germany.
C. They saw the potential war as an opportunity to distract European militaries on the continent, allowing Germany to expand its overseas empire without major conflict.
D. They thought the coming war would bring substantial new income to the German armaments industry and give a much-needed boost to the German economy.