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Other nations began to challenge Britain's power. One of these nations was Germany as their many new industries made its economy the fastest growing one in Europe. Therefore, Germany competed with Great Britain for industrial dominance.
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Chancellor of Prussia, Otto von Bismarck, used war to unify
Germany. Bismarck declared Germany to be a satisfied power. Afterwards, he used his power to maintain peace in Europe. -
Otto von Bismarck created the dual alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary. Three years later, Italy joined the two countries to form the Triple Alliance.
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Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy form the Triple Alliance.
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Bismarck took another possible ally away from France by making a treaty with Russia.Though Bismarck knew his network of alliances were unstable.
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The Empire of Russia and France form their own alliance as a response to the formation of the Triple Alliance.
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Germany begins to advance their navy to challenge Great Britain's Navy and its long standing global supremacy.
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Great Britain and Japan form a naval alliance.
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Great Britain and France reach a strategic agreement which includes mutual military support in the event of war.
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Germany and France nearly fought over who would control Morocco in Northern Africa.
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June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo in Bosnia. This was the spark that started WWI.
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Count Hoyos of Austria-Hungary travels to Berlin to establish German support for Austrian action against Serbia. The Chancellor decides to encourage the action against Serbia and promises support to their ally.
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The council of Austria-Hungary decides to make an ultimatum to Serbia to initiate military action or Serbia's humiliation. They then later decide to delay the delivery of the ultimatum to simultaneously coincide with the departure of the French President and Prime Minister.
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Tsar Nicholas II (emperor of Russia) authorizes the general mobilization of Russia for the next day.
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Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
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Bethman Hollweg (chancellor of Germany) attempts to stop Austria-Hungary for the first time during these moments of crisis.
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Serbia responds to the ultimatum and meets almost all the demands. Though Austria-Hungary breaks off any relation with Serbia.
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Britain suggests an intervention (mediation conference), but is ignored by both Berlin and Vienna. There was then partial mobilization of four Russian districts.
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French visits Russia (French president and prime minister). There was a military alliance between the Russian Empire and the French Third Republic from 1892-1917.
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Austria issues the ultimatum to Serbia while only giving Serbia 48 hours to respond.
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Russia beings full mobilization of their troops, but Germany demands them to stop. Though they are just reacting to the Austria-Hungary attack on Serbia.