War Begins
It seemed like all of Europe was holding their breath, waiting, watching for a war to break out when everyone exhaled. There was tension building up between Germany and Britain over control of the seas. Many Europeans were building their militaries in case of attack. Alliances were being made between European powers. Countries were staking their claim in Africa and power was being determined based on the number of colonies. Nationalism was increasing and causing even more tension as nations were itching to stake their claim and have land to call their own. The assassination of the Archduke was the release of the trigger, resulting in an explosion that was bigger than anybody anticipated.
Timeline
- 28 June 1914 - Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated.
- 29 June 1914 - Secretary of the Austro-Hungarian Legation sends dispatch to Vienna accusing Serbia of the assassination.
- 05 July 1914 - Austria-Hungary seeks German support in case Russia mobilizes. Germany assures support.
- 20 July 1914 - Austria-Hungary sends troops to Serbian frontier.
- 25 July 1914 - Serbia orders mobilization of troops. Russia arranges troops to be stationed along Russo-Austrian frontier.
- 26 July 1914 - Austria-Hungary sends ultimatum to Serbia.
- 28 July 1914 - Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
- 29 July 1914 - Great Britain warns Germany that it can't remain neutral. Austrians bombard Serbian capital of Belgrade. German patrols cross French border.
- 31 July 1914 - Russia announces full mobilization of her armed forces as an ally of Serbia.
- 01 August 1914 - Germany mobilizes her forces and declares war on Russia. Belgium and Italy declares neutrality. French military mobilization ordered.
- 03 August 1914 - Germany declares war on France and implements Schlieffen Plan. Great Britain gives military mobilization order.