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WW1
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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated in Sarajevo near the Latin bridge. They were assassinated by Garvilo Princip, a member of the black hand. The death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was known as "the spark" of WW1. This triggered Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia, which escalated into a broader conflict as alliances were invoked across Europe. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
After Serbia rejected an ultimatum, Austria-Hungary declared war. Russia, allied with Serbia. Serbia began to mobilize, promoting Germany to declare war on Russia. This set off a chain reaction, drawing France and Britain into the conflict. This marked the start of WW1. -
Germany invades Belgium
Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium, part of it's Schlieffen Plan to quickly defeat France, shocked the world. This action Violated international law and drew Britain into the war. The brutal treatment of Belgian civilians by German forces also became a rallying cry for Allied propaganda, framing the war as a fight against German aggression. -
First Battle of the Marne
First Battle of the Marne was a critical turning point in the war. German forces had advanced deep into France, but the French, aided by the British, launched a counteroffensive along the Marne River. The battle ended in a decisive Allied victory, halting the German advance and forcing both sides into trench warfare, which would dominate the Western Front for the remainder of the war.