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Franz Ferdinand, the archduke of Serbia, is assassinated by the Black Hand (Bosnian terrorist group).
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After the death of Franz Ferdinand, Serbia and Austria began the haggling. Austria sent Serbia a set of ten intentionally unacceptable points. Serbia only agreed to eight of them.
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After learning that Serbia had only approved eight of the ten conditionsn that Austria had set, they officially declared war on Serbia.
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Russia, unbeknownst to Austria, had an agreement to protect Serbia. The government orders partial mobilization one day after Austria declares war.
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The Germans take Russia's call to mobilization as an act of war against Austria. Germany, who was allied to Austria, declared war against Russia.
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France was bound to Russia in a treaty, so when Germany declared war on them, France reciprocated, and by extension, also declared war on Austria.
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Britain is also tied to France, but more loosely, based on a "moral obligation". They really joined the war to protect Belgium, with whom they had a treaty for 75 years. (Britains colonies also joined in the war.)
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The first land battle of World War One, the Battle of Leige resulted in heavy losses for the Germans. Occurred as Germany tried to cross Belgium to invade France.
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A huge, almost complete decimation of the Second Russian Army by the Germans, Tannenberg ended Russia's invasion of Prussia almost before it started.
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Basically, one of the only reasons that the Germans did not have their 48-day victory.
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The sea was an geographical asset. So, the allied forces and Germany raced to the North Sea. One of the first occurrences of trench warfare.
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Although Italy was allied to both Germany AND Austria, they managed to get out of it on technicalities. Later, they joined the fight on the opposing side.
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The Lusitania, a British passenger ship was attacked with American civilians on board. One of the contributing factors to America's involvement.
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The longest battle of World War One. Also ended in a stalemate, between the French and the Germans. Had no real effect except to weaken both parties.
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Biggest naval battle of World War One. Ended in a draw. Figures...
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Significant because it still holds the one day record of troops killed in a day --58,000 British soldiers alone died on the first day.
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March 1 was the day that the Zimmerman Telegram was revealed to the American population to the press. 'Nuff said.
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America declares war on the central powers.
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Negotiations for a peace treaty begin in Versailles, France.
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The Treaty of Versailles is signed.
