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Assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Serbian terrorist assassinates future leader of Austro-Hungarian empire and his wife. -
Austrian invasion of Serbia
After issuing an ultimatum threatening war, the Austrian government invades Serbia -
Germany declares war against Russia
Germany, an ally of Austria, delcares war against Serbia's ally Russia -
Germany declares war against France
After declaring war on France, Germany invades neutral Belgium as fastest route to Paris -
Great Britain declares war against Germany
An ally of France, Great Britain joins the war. -
Wilson declares American Neutrality
The United States must be neutral in fact, as well as in name, during these days that are to try men's souls. We must be impartial in thought, as well as action, must put a curb upon our sentiments, as well as upon every transaction that might be construed as a preference of one party to the struggle before another. -
Formation of National Security League
Recognizing America's unprepared Army and Navy, the NSL called for greater defense expenditures in the event of American involvement in the Great War. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania, with 128 Americans on board, is sunk by German submarines. Wilson sends a strongly worded message to Germany, warning they will be held to "strict accountability."
