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The assassination Of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, were shot dead in Sarajevo, by Gavrilo Princip, one of a group of six Bosnian Serb assassins coordinated by Danilo Ilić. The political objective of the assassination was to break off Austria-Hungary's south-Slav provinces so they could be combined into a Greater Serbia or a Yugoslavia. -
Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia and Russia
Austria's relationship with Russia was irreparably damaged as a consequence of Austria's withholding of support during the Anglo-Russian Crimean War of 1853-56, a factor in the July Crisis of 1914. Ultimately Russia entered into an alliance with France and Britain ranged against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, feeling no lingering loyalty to Austria-Hungar -
Germany declares war on Russia
The German Government wanted to have peace since the beginning of the situation but in compliance with a wish expressed to him by His Majesty the Emperor of Russia, the German Emperor had undertaken, in concert with Great Britain, the part of mediator between the Cabinets of Vienna and St. Petersburg; but Russia, without waiting for any result, proceeded to a general mobilisation of her forces both on land and sea. -
Germany Invades luxembourg
Luxembourg was allowed to keep its own government and political system, but all the things they did had to be basically approved by the German's army. -
US' Neutrality
U.S President Wilson appeals for neutrality. The Canadian Parliament authorises the raising of an expeditionary force to send overseas and constructs Valcartier Camp to give basic training to new recruits. -
Battle of Verdun
This battle lasted for nine months. The main purpose was to 'bleed the French dry' Though it was this long the battle was inconclusive. -
Zeppelins
The use of airships by the Germans increased. Zeppelins began attacking London. They were also used for naval reconnaissance, to attack London and smaller balloons were used for reconnaissance along the Western Front. They were only stopped when the introduction of aeroplanes shot them down -
Italy's unsuccessful attack.
The Italians launch an unsuccessful attack against Austro-Hungary at what will be called the 1st Battle of Isonzo. There will be 12 in total. -
General Sir Douglas
General Sir Douglas Haig takes Field Marshal Sir John French's position as Commander-in Chief of the British Forces in France. This also gave him control of the Canadian Forces in Europe. -
USA declares war on Germany
The United States of America declared war on Germany in response to the sinking, by German U boats, of US ships