World War 1 By DavidMcIntyre Jun 28, 1914 Archduke Francis Ferdinand is assassinated. Jul 5, 1914 Kaiser William II promises German support for Austria against Serbia. Jul 28, 1914 Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia and Russia. Jul 29, 1914 Russia begins to mobilise her armed forces. Austria-Hungarian troops invade Serbia. Aug 1, 1914 Official outbreak of World War I. Germany declares war on Russia. Aug 3, 1914 Germany declares war on France. Aug 7, 1914 The British Expeditionary Force lands in France to assist the French and Belgians in stopping the German offensive. Aug 17, 1914 Russia invades East Prussia Aug 19, 1914 U.S President Wilson appeals for neutrality. Aug 22, 1914 27,000 French soldiers are killed on this single day in an offensive thrust to the east of Paris, towards the German borders. Sep 5, 1914 First Battle of the Marne begins. Oct 14, 1914 First Battle of Ypres begins. Dec 21, 1914 First German air raid on Britain. Dec 25, 1914 An unofficial Christmas truce is declared by soldiers along the Western Front.
