The Great War 1914

Assasination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

Austro-Hungarian Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia by Gavrilo Princip who colluded with the Serbian Black Hand.

Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

After the Serbian government rejected Austria-Hungary's demands the Empire declared war on Serbia with the backing of their ally Germany.

Russia Mobilizes Army in Defense of Serbia

Jul 30, 1914

Due to the Austro-Hungarian invasion, Serbia's ally Russia has mobilized its army to help defend Serbia.

Germany Declares War on Russia and France

Aug 1, 1914

Due to Russian mobilization Germany mobilizes and declares war on Russia (Aug, 1) and France (Aug, 3). Russia and France are allies and to avoid a war on two fronts Germany will move swiftly to knock France out of the war with the schlieffen plan, requiring them to move through neutral Belgium.

Germany Invades Neutral Belgium

Aug 4, 1914

Germany mobilizes over a million men to invade Belgium to get to France and knock them out of the war to quickly to deal with Russia.

Britain Declares War on Germany for Invading Belgium

Aug 4, 1914

Due to Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium Britain declares war on Germany. As a colony of Britain this meant that Canada was also at war with Germany though we were free to choose our level of involvement. On Aug, 5 the Canadian government formally declared war on Germany.