The July Crisis

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

On this day, the only heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated by the Serbian nationalist group Black Hand, funded by the Serbian government. As the king, Franz Joseph, is growing old, Austria-Hungary starts making plans for war.

Germany Urges Austria to Start a War

Jul 2, 1914

The German Empire's leader, Wilhelm II, urges Austria-Hungary to attack the Baltic states. A large war would serve German interests if they won, hampering the other major empires so Germany could more easily pursue power.

Serbian PM Denies Involvement

Jul 7, 1914

The Prime Minister of Serbia, Nikolas Pasic, claims that Austria-Hungary was warned by Serbia of the assassination plot, but he quickly withdraws his claim and says that Serbia had no involvement whatsoever in the attack.

Austria-Hungary Discusses War

Jul 7, 1914

In a meeting on July 7th, all members of the government express support for war except Istvan Tisza, who warns that any attack "would, as far as can humanly be foreseen, lead to an intervention by Russia and hence a world war."

Austria-Hungary Discusses Ultimatum

Jul 9, 1914

Austria-Hungary decides to draft a ultimatum with demands intended to be rejected to prevent the "odium of attacking Serbia without warning".

Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum First Drafted

Jul 12, 1914

Final Draft of Ultimatum Finished

Jul 19, 1914

Immediately after the ultimatum is finalized, Austria-Hungary asks all German embassies to say that. "If the Austro-Hungarian government is not going to abdicate forever as a great power, she has no choice but to enforce acceptance by...if necessary, resorting to military measures."

Ultimatum is Presented to Serbia

Jul 23, 1914

The Austrian embassy in Serbia presents the Serbian government with the ultimatum, which asks for Serbia to retract all negative statements about Austria-Hungary ever made and to allow Austrio-Hungarian officials to control the country. If not answered by July 25, Austria would declare immediate war.

Serbia Mobilizes

Jul 24, 1914

Serbia, fully realizing that any rejection of Austro-Hungary's ultimatum would lead to war, mobilizes its full military.

Russia goes on Alert

Jul 25, 1914

Tsar Nicholas II decides to put all Russian forces on alert, waiting for further instructions.

Austro-Hungary Fully Mobilizes

Jul 27, 1914

After their ultimatum is rejected, Austro-Hungary first mobilizes 8 divisions on 25 July, then its whole army.

Austro-Hungary Declares War

Jul 28, 1914

The first shots are fired 29 July 1914 at 11:00 A.M during a bombardment of Belgrade by a Austrian ship, the SS Bodrog.

Britain and Russia Tensions

Jul 29, 1914

Russians have partly mobilized against Austro-Hungary's borders. Britain warns Germany to not attack France lest they go to war with the Entente.

Russia Fully Mobilizes

Jul 30, 1914

Under pressure from Vladimir Sukhomlinov, the Russian Minister of War, Tsar Nicholas II fully mobilizes the Russian army.

Germany Declares War

Aug 1, 1914

Using the Russian mobilization as a pretext, Germany declares war on Russia and Serbia while invading Luxembourg to attack France.

Germany Declares War on France

Aug 3, 1914

When Belgium refuses to allow free passage of German troops to France, Germany declares war on both and invades Belgium.

The War becomes A World War

Aug 6, 1914

After a German ultimatum to England expires, Germany declares war on England and Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia. The Ottomans will not enter until October 29, 1914.