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Serbian terrorist, Gavrilo Princip assassinated Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, while they were visiting Sarajevo.
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Austrian Government issues a harsh ultimatum (ten demands) threatening war against Serbia and invades four days later.
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Russia entered its period preparatory to war.
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Serbia rejects Austria’s ultimatum. Germany had thought war was averted.
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Austria declared war on Serbia even though the Austrian army was not ready to fight.
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Russia exited its period of preparatory to war and officially mobilized. Germany warned Russians to stand down.
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Germany’s Wilhelm I they declared war against Russia because Germany allied with Austria. France mobilized it armed forces in support of Russia and allied with Serbia.
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Germany marched through Belgium to invade hoping to eliminate France and focus of Russia.
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All major alliances were at war with each other. Great Britain, ally of France declares war against Germany. Great Britain and Germany had already has a tense relationship -both competed for world dominance.
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British forces arrive in France, both Britain and France lose in a battle against the Germans.
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Battle of Mons was the first battle between British and German forces in Belgium. It was a battle of movement unlike the other battles and though the British had trained soldiers they were severely outnumbered by the Germans. Japan (an ally with Britain) declares war on Germany.
