Events leading up to World War I

The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

Tension between Austria-Hungary and Serbia exploded when the archduke of Austria-Hungary Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip during Ferdinand's visit to Sarajevo.

Austria-Hungary delcares war on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

After Princip was arrested and identified as a Serbian, the Austro-Hungarian Empire decided to use it as an excuse to punish the Serbians by making humiliating demands of the Serbians before finally declaring war on Serbia.

Germany Declares War on Russia

Aug 1, 1914

Quickly after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, as an ally of Serbia, Russia decided to declare war on Austria-Hungary as well. In response to Russia's action, Germany, as an ally of Austria-Hungary, also declared war on Russia.

Germany Declares War on France

Aug 3, 1914

After declaring war on Russia, Germany decides to declare war on Russia's ally France as well. As a result, Germany now had a war on two fronts.

Germany Invades Belgium

Aug 3, 1914

In order to have access to France, Germany decides to invade Belgium because it was located between Germany and France.

Great Britain Declares War on Germany

Aug 4, 1914

Germany's invasion of a neutral country, Belgium, angered Great Britain and it then declared war on Germany. The major participants of World War I were now engaged in battle.