Servia is an independent kingdom. The capital is Belgrade. For centuries Servia was a province of the Turkish Empire, constantly in revolt and passionately striving to become independent. By the Treaty of Berlin in 1878 Servian independence was secured. With the triumph of the Balkan Allies--Servia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Greece--over Turkey in 1913, much valuable territory was added to all the Balkan nations. The great ambition of Servia to secure territory on the sea was thwarted, however, by Austria-Hungary; and the ancient Servian hatred for Austria, roused to action, brought about the incident immediately leading to the great European War. This was the assassination of the Austrian crown prince, in June, by a Servian conspirator. Austria claimed that the Servian government was a party to the murder, and sent an ultimatum making peremptory demands that the murderers be punished. The Servian government, denying any connection with the assassins, none the less agreed to all the Austrian demands save one. They refused to permit Austrian officials to try the conspiracy cases. Austria declared war. AUSTRIA-HUNGARY A dual monarchy, inhabited by several nationalities and comprising two semi-independent countries, each with its own government but also with a common parliament, army and emperor, Francis Joseph. He belongs to the house of Hapsburg, which has ruled Austria for six hundred years, and himself has held the throne at Vienna since 1848. Austria possesses important ports on the Adriatic, and if she had territory in the Balkan peninsula might gain access to the Mediterranean and prevent Russia from doing the same. She once tried to reach the sea through Italy, but failed. The growth of the Slavic states in the Balkans is directly contrary to Austrian interests and ambitions. A power occupying the Balkan peninsula might easily control the Suez Canal, connecting Europe with the Orient. Agriculture is the principal pursuit, and Austria is able to supply her own food. In the north, wheat and barley grow, and corn in the south. The mineral wealth is great--coal and salt abound. Cotton, woolen, linen and silk goods are manufactured; also metals, glass, leather and musical instruments. Commerce is mainly with Germany and Turkey. GERMANY Twenty-five states constitute the German Empire, formed by the first imperial chancellor, Bismarck, in 1871. Its capital is Berlin. The king of Prussia is emperor (William II, since 1888). He may declare war and conclude peace, contract alliances and make treaties.