The cause of the war lies in the Italian irredentist movement. Along the border between Italy and Austria-Hungary, there are pockets of territory under the jurisdiction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but spoke Italian. As such, Italy saw them as Italians and their homes and land as their territory. In December 1914, Italy decided to do something about it. Italy sent Austria and ultimatum, either hand them over or it will be taken by force. The deadline was set for February 1, 1915.