World War I

Assassination

Jun 28, 1914

Serbian terrorist, Gavrilo Princip assassinated Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, while they were visiting Sarajevo.

Ultimatum

Jul 23, 1914

Austrian Government issues a harsh ultimatum (ten demands) threatening war against Serbia and invades four days later.

Preparing for War

Jul 25, 1914

Russia entered its period preparatory to war.

Rejection

Jul 26, 1914

Serbia rejects Austria’s ultimatum. Germany had thought war was averted.

Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

Austria declared war on Serbia even though the Austrian army was not ready to fight.

Russia

Jul 30, 1914

Russia exited its period of preparatory to war and officially mobilized. Germany warned Russians to stand down.

War Amongst European Nations

Aug 1, 1914

Germany’s Wilhelm I they declared war against Russia because Germany allied with Austria. France mobilized it armed forces in support of Russia and allied with Serbia.

Belgium Invasion

Aug 3, 1914

Germany marched through Belgium to invade hoping to eliminate France and focus of Russia.

World Dominance

Aug 4, 1914

All major alliances were at war with each other. Great Britain, ally of France declares war against Germany. Great Britain and Germany had already has a tense relationship -both competed for world dominance.

Three Nations at War

Aug 7, 1914

British forces arrive in France, both Britain and France lose in a battle against the Germans.

Battle of Mons & Japan Enters the War

Aug 23, 1914

Battle of Mons was the first battle between British and German forces in Belgium. It was a battle of movement unlike the other battles and though the British had trained soldiers they were severely outnumbered by the Germans. Japan (an ally with Britain) declares war on Germany.