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Ferdinand is Assassinated
Arhduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie are assassinated by Serbian nationalists/terrorists while they visit Sarajevo on a state tour. -
Blank Checkmate
Some time in Early July, Wilhelm II of Germany gives Austria-Hungry the "blank check", promising to back them up in the event of war. This may have been a determining factor in Austria's decision to pursue war instead of working things out in the Balkans peacefully. -
Austrian Response
Austria, having come to the conclusion that the assassins were affiliated with the Serbian military, presents an ultimatum to Serbia demanding some rather impossible things. -
The First Declaration
Serbia fails to meet the demands imposed, and Austria declares war, thus starting a massive chain reaction of declarations due to the intricate alliance networks. -
Russian Mobilization Pt. 1
Tsar Nicholas II orders partial mobilization against Austria-Hungry in response to the bombarment of Belgrade. This declares war against Austria-Hungry, but no one else. -
Russian Mobilization Pt. 2
Realizing that the military leaders never prepared for only a partial mobilization against Austria-Hungry without attacking Germany too (and unwilling to change some things--that woulod make too much sense), Russia orders full mobilization, in effect declaring war on Germany too. -
Schlieffen Plan takes Charge
The German overall strategy only ever envisioned a war with both France and Russia at the same time (the Schlieffen Plan) and so in order to fight Russia, they attack France. Which makes total sense. Yeah. -
The Rape of Belgium
Belgium was the prime access point to entering France, because the German army would bypass the French army entirely. Belgium is a neutral country, though, and refuses to allow the Germans military access. Germany responds by utterly destroying the country and then moving into France. This is a really bad idea. -
Britain Joins the Entente
In response to the Rape of Belgium, Britain joins the war against Germany. This was unexpected by the Germans, who were now surrounded on all sides and without any significant allies. Also, the British navy was now at odds with German shipping, thus blocking the country from importing necessary materials.
