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Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated
He and his wife were killed by a Serbian nationalist. This event started a chain reaction to World War I. -
Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
The assassinated archduke was Franz Joseph's nephew. When he learned of the assassination, Joseph said, "One has not to defy the Almighty. In this manner a superior power has restored that order which I unfortunately was unable to maintain." -
As an ally of Serbia, Russia fully mobilizes its armed forces.
Caused by the Austrian attack on Serbia. Germany demands that Russia stops. -
Germany declares war on Russia
Declared four days after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Also, France orders a general mobilization. -
Germany declares war on France
Belgium denies Germany permission to pass through to the French border. -
Germany invades Belgium
As part of the German Schlieffen Plan, Germans violated Belgium's neutrality to outflank the French Army. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia
Austria-Hungary took over Bosnia, the neighboring country to Serbia. Serbia felt threatened and sent word to Russia about this new threat. The countries began fighting from that moment. -
First trenches on the Western front are dug
Stretched from the North Sea coast in Belgium southward through France. Usually set up in three lines of trenches with the first surrounded by tangles of barbed wire. -
Unofficial Christmas Truce is declared by soldiers on the Western front
Between Germany and Britain. All fighting ceased and soldiers were sent to be with fmailies. -
Germany blockades Britain using submarines
Known as the U-Boat Campaign. Fought against the trade routes to the Allies. Took place in the seas around the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea. -
Britain announces a complete blockade of Germany
Caused about 424,000 deaths due to starvation and disease. The blockade stopped Germany from getting the resources it depended heavily on. -
German Army uses chlorine gas at the Battle of Ypres
Actually the Second Battle of Ypres. Battle ended in a stalemate. The use of the poison proved harmful to those intended targets and those who released it.
