Wwi Timeline

1914

June 28 Archduke Franz Ferdinand heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife are assassinated in Sarajevo.

July 28 Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, after they rejected the ideas proposed in their ultimatum.

July 31 bound by treaty to Serbia, Russia announced mobilization of its vast army in her defense

August 1 Germany mobilizes her armed forces and declares war on Russia.

August 3 Germany declares war on France.

August 4 Germany declares war on neutral Belgium and invades in a right flanking move designed to defeat France quickly. As a result of this invasion, Britain (along with its colonies such as Canada) declares war on Germany.

August 6 Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia.

August 12 France declares war on Austria-Hungary.

September 15 First trenches of the Western front are dug.

October 29 Turkey joins the war to help to a German naval bombardment of Russia, party due to pressure from the Germans.

1915

January War becomes "Total War" with German Zeppelin air raid on England

February 4 Germany declares a submarine blockade of Great Britain. Any ship approaching England is considered a legitimate target.

May 7 U-boat sinks the Lusitania. 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans die.

May 23 Italy joins the war with the Allies, by declaring