Isaac Wilkerson Beginning of WWI

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were shot dead in Sarajevo, by Gavrilo Princip,

Austiria- Hungary declares War on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

Beacause of on 28th June 1914 Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo, by a Serbian nationalist. Convinced that the Serbian government had conspired against them, Austria-Hungary issued Serbia an unacceptable ultimatum, then they declared the war on Serbia on 28th July 1914.

Germany declares war on russia

Aug 1, 1914

Russia mobilized along the German border. Russia's mobilization amounted to a declaration of war. On August 1, German government declare war on Russia

germany declares war on france

Aug 3, 1914

Germany had been drawing up their plan for war, the Schlieffen plan, since 1897. It worked on the basis that they would be at war with Russia and France at the same time.

Germany invades Belgium

Aug 3, 1914

The German invasion plan for France called for an attack through Belgium, instead of through the heavily defended Franco-German border. Belgium was neutral and its neutrality was protected by treaty with Great Britain. The Germans attacked on August 3rd. The next day, Great Britain declared war on Germany.

Great britain declares war on germany

Aug 4, 1914

Britain declared war on Germany in 1914 in response to the German invasion of Belgium. Belgium had been regarded as a neutral state under international law since 1839.

Austria Hungary declares war on russia

Aug 5, 1914

Britain begins a 'Distant Blockade' of Germany, cutting off vital resources; declarations continue throughout the month

France and great Britain declare war on austria hungary

Aug 12, 1914

France and great Britain declare war on austria hungary

Lusitainia is sunk

May 7, 1915

The sinking of the Lusitania enraged Americans and hastened the United States' entrance into World War I.

Zimmerman telegram

Jan 19, 1917

January of 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt, offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause