Outbreak of World War I Timeline

By c.schaumburg

  • The Triple Alliance is Formed

    The Triple Alliance is Formed
    • Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
      • Later know as the Central Powers

  • The Triple Entente is Formed

    The Triple Entente is Formed
    • Was an alliance between Britain, Russia, and France
      • Provided a measure of international security because nation wouldn't disturb the balance of power

  • Austria-Hungary Takes Control of Bosnia

    • the Treaty of Berlin gave Austria-Hungary the right to occupy and administer Bosnia
      • The Greater Serbian movement had as an object the acquisition of Slavic Bosnia, so Serbia threatened war on Austria-Hungary

  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand is Assassinated in Sarajevo

    Archduke Franz Ferdinand is Assassinated in Sarajevo
    • Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip shot him
      • Princip was part of a Serbian nationalism organization called the Black Hand

  • Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

    Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
    • Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with an ultimatum demanding that all anti-Austrian propaganda within Serbia be suppressed
    • the Austria-Hungary would allowed to conduct its own investigation into the archduke's killing

  • Germany Invaded Belgium

    Germany Invaded Belgium
    • used the strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan
      • created what some called the first major refugee crisis of the 20th century

  • A German U-Boat Sinks the Lusitania

    A German U-Boat Sinks the Lusitania
    • 128 Americans were lost out of a total of 1,198 people
      • Was a British liner that was off the southern coast of Ireland

  • The First Battle of the Somme Begins

    The First Battle of the Somme Begins
    • The British suffered 60,000 casualties the first day
      • Battle last for over three years

  • The Zimmerman Note is Discovered

    The Zimmerman Note is Discovered
    • a telegram from the German foreign minister to the German ambassador in Mexico that was intercepted by British agents
    • proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany and promised that if war with the United States broke out, Germany would support Mexico in recovering lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

  • The United States Declares War on Germany

    The United States Declares War on Germany
    • Wilson tried to mediate between the warring alliances but the attempt failed
    • Russia removed the last significant obstacle to direct U.S. involvement in the war when the Russian monarchy was replaced with a representative government