Leading up to WWI

By katie.ruder

  • Archduke Ferdinand Assassinated

    Archduke Ferdinand Assassinated
    Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian activist

  • Austria's government reacts to assassination

    Austria's government reacts to assassination
    Believing the assassin to be a Serbian nationalist, the Austrians target their anger toward Serbia.

  • "Blank Check" made

    "Blank Check" made
    Austria is now allied with Germany

  • Austria's ultimatum to Serbia

    Austria's ultimatum to Serbia
    The Serbs propose arbitration as a way to resolve dispute, but also begin mobilization of their troops.

  • Serbia's response to Austria

    Serbia's response to Austria
    Austria-Hungary severs diplomatic ties with Serbia and begins to mobilize its troops.

  • Austria declares war on Serbia

    Austria declares war on Serbia
    The Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on Serbia.

  • Russia's reaction

    Russia's reaction
    Russia begins full mobilization of its troops.

  • Germany's reaction to Russia

    Germany's reaction to Russia
    Germany declares war on Russia

  • Great Britain's reaction to Germany

    Great Britain's reaction to Germany
    Great Britain declares war on Germany. The declaration is binding on all Dominions within the British Empire including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.