Timeline of Events Leading to World War I

Russo-Japanese War

Feb 4, 1904

Japanese defeat Russians, ending tsarist regime in Russia.

Entente Cordiale

Apr 8, 1904

Pact between Britain and France, one step closer to fighting alliance between the two.

First Balkan Crisis

Oct 6, 1908

Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina, causing a rise in tensions in the Balkans.

Second Moroccan Crisis

1911

French troops deployed in Morocco, leading to Germany demanding territorial compensation. This left the Germans embarrassed by the French.

Turco-Italian War

Sep 29, 1911

Involving Italian and Ottoman Empires, led to Italy's capture of Tripolitania.

First Balkan War

Oct 8, 1912

Four Balkan states defeat Ottoman Empire.

Liman von Sanders Affair

1913

Prussian General Liman von Sanders takes control of the Ottoman empire. Tensions rise between (Germany) and Russia, as the Russians object to this.

Woodrow Wilson Sworn in as President

Mar 4, 1913

Woodrow Wilson becomes the 28th President of the United States of America.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Wife Assasinated

Jun 28, 1914

The Archduke Franz Ferdinand and wife are murdered while visiting Bosnia. Cause of assassination now suspected to be due to Serbian nationalist movements.

Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

Due to allegations of Serbian nationalist movements being the cause behind the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and spouse, war is declared on Serbia, sparking tensions between many different Balkan and European countries. This was what eventually started World War 1.

Germany Declares War on Russia

Aug 1, 1914

Weary of troop mobilization in Russia, Germany declares war.