World War 1 timeline

Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the death of the Archduke

Jun 28, 1914

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife, visit Sarajevo in Bosnia. A bomb is thrown at their auto but misses. Undaunted, they continue their visit only to be shot and killed a short time later by a lone assassin. Believing the assassin to be a Serbian nationalist, the Austrians target their anger toward Serbia.

Gavrilo Princip fired two shots

Jul 28, 1914

The Archduke is murdered sparking WWI

Russia mobilizes to defend Serbia

Jul 29, 1914

Russians begin partial troop mobilization as a precaution. The Germans then warn Russia on its mobilization and begin to mobilize themselves.

Germany declares war on Russia

Aug 1, 1914

Germany declares war on Russia

Germany invades Belgium

Aug 3, 1914

Germany declares war on France, and invades neutral Belgium. Britain then sends an ultimatum, rejected by the Germans, to withdraw from Belgium.