Causes of WW1 Timeline

  • Triple Alliance Formed

    This alliance consisted of Germany, Italy and Austria/Hungary and was formed in fear of attack from France or Russia
  • First Moroccan Crisis

    France had growing interests in Morocco, and Germany responded negatively, but France were supported by Britain and Russia, and this created a diplomatic setback for Germany. This was one of the first acts of the Triple Alliance.
  • Triple Ententé Formed

    This alliance was formed incase of attack from the Triple Alliance and consisted of Britain, France and Russia.
  • Balkan Crisis

    Austria wanted to take over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Serbia, encouraged by Russia, denounced this take over as it threatened their independence. This was a significant contribution to the war tensions as it challenged the major powers.
  • Second Moroccan Crisis

    Germany moved a gunboat, purely to gain tactical advantage, into Agadir, Morocco, this causing new panic. They withdrew when th French withdrew from Fez.
  • Balkan Wars

    Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria formed the Balkan league and attacked Turkey, as they believed that Turkey was seeking power over the Balkan states again, and they triumphed over it. In 1913, Bulgaria, supported by Austria, attacked Greece and Serbia, and were defeated. Added to the potential causes of WW1 as this incident raised tension between the Balkan states.
  • Blank Cheque

    german Kaiser and Chancellor agreed to support Austria in outbreak of war, the giving a 'Blank Cheque', creating a strong alliance.
  • Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    Murdered by a group called the Young Bosnian, motivated by their rejection into the Austrian army.This is the 'official' spark of WW1
  • Ultimatum for Serbia

    Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia with 10 demands that they were all to be complied with, and orders to reply within 48 hours.
  • Serbia respond

    Serbia replies to the ultimatum from Austria and agrees to all demands except forthe one that allowed Austrian official s to enter Serbia and supress anti-Austrian movements. This angers Russia, as they support Serbia, and notified their opposition to Austria, who then rejected the threat.
  • Russia mobilises army

    Russian armies were mobilised, ready for war.
  • Germany declare war

    Germany declared war on Russia
  • Germnay declare war pt2

    Germany declare war on France, and invaded Belgium.
  • Britain declare war

    Britain declare war on Germany, war between all has officially commenced