Beginning of World War I

Archduke Franz Ferdinando shot dead.

Jun 23, 1914

Assassination occured in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary.

Austrian investigators link the assassination to a Serbian nationalist terrorist group known as the Black Hand.

Jul 1, 1914

The Black Hand was dedicated to that unification of south Slavs to form a greater Serbia, explaining why Ferdinand was chosen in the political assassination.

Austrians issue an ultimatum to the Serbian government.

Jul 23, 1914

Demanded that Austrian officials could be involved in any investigation of the assassination on Serbian territory.

Austria declared the ultimatum response unsatisfactory and delcares war on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

The Serbian government accepted all terms except for one, declaring it infringed on their sovereignty.

Russian army mobilizes its troops to defend its Serbian ally and itself from Germany.

Jul 29, 1914

A step relucantly taken by Tsar Nicholas II after being advised that not doing so would upset their military plans and timetables.

Germany sends an ultimatum to Russia demanding a stop to their troops and one to France inquiring what their intentions were if Germany and Russia were to go to war.

Jul 31, 1914

The Russians replied with "impossible", and France never responded.

Germany declares war of Russia, and mobilizes towards France.

Aug 1, 1914

Germany declares war on France.

Aug 3, 1914

Also invades Belguim in accordance with the Schleiffen plan, to attack the French army.