Why did a war start in 1914?

Franz Ferdinand and his wife killed in Sarajevo

Jun 28, 1914

Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is assassinated by Bosnain people, while he is visiting Sarajevo.

Why did WW1 start 1914?

Period: Jul 21, 1914 to Aug 10, 1914

Austria-Hungary tryies to prevent Bosnian nationalists

Jul 23, 1914

Austria-Hungary see's the assassination as a way to prevent Bosnaian nationalists who wanted to separate themselves from Austria-Hungary, and to crush Bpsnaia's supporter (hoping to inbade and defeat, Serbia).

Serbia gets ready for war

Jul 25, 1914

Serbia begins to call ip troops, equipping them and moving them to the borders agaisnt Austria-Hungary in case of attack. Russia promises to to support its Slavs serbia. The Russian government warns the Austro-Hungarian government not to invade Serbia.

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia despite the demands made, Austria-Hungary know that Russia will help serbia in the war. There only hope is Germany stay true to there word and support them as well. They also realise that Russia and France also have a alliance, meaning they will come to war as well.

Russia mobilises (battle readys) its forces

Jul 30, 1914

Russia wants to be battle ready against Austria-Hungary, but all battle plans have been designed on the assuption that germany will be involved

Austria-Hugary mobilises against Serbia

Jul 31, 1914

Austria-Hugary mobilises against Serbia, and germany demands that russia demobilises its troops.

Germany mobilises against Russia and France - Getting ready

Aug 1, 1914

Germany mobilises against Russia, and also France. Germany's war plan , the Schlieffen Plan is based on the reasoning that it must fight against both Russia and France. Germany declares war against Russia

France mobilises against Germany

Aug 1, 1914

France wants to win back areas lost to Germany in 1871, and see this as a good opportunity. France mobilises against Germany

Germany invades

Aug 2, 1914

Germany invades Luxembourg, to enavle it to strike at France through undefended borders

Germany decalares War on France

Aug 3, 1914

Britain warns germany not to invade Belgium

Germany invades Belgium as part of the Schlieffen Plan to attack France

Aug 4, 1914

Germany invades Belgium as part of the Schlieffen Plan to attack France. Britain declares war on Germany as a result of its agreement with Belgium. The nations of Europe are now at War.