How did Austria and alliance system influence Austria and decision to send Serbia an ultimatum?

Austria-Hungary's alliance system, particularly its relationship with Germany, significantly influenced its decision to send Serbia an ultimatum following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Believing it had the backing of Germany, Austria felt emboldened to take a hardline stance against Serbia, which it viewed as a threat to its stability and influence in the Balkans. The ultimatum was designed to be unacceptable to Serbia, thereby justifying military action and allowing Austria to assert its dominance in the region while relying on German support against potential repercussions from Russia and other powers. This aggressive move ultimately contributed to the escalation of tensions that led to World War I.