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Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy band together to form a loose alliance called the "Triple Alliance".
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These two countries band together to support one another militarily.
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Germany could not completely mobilize its troops against Russia because of the Schlieffen Plan, so they declared war on France.
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This declaration of war officially violated Belgian neutrality.
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France, Britain, and Russia come together to form the alliance known as the "Triple Entente".
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Austria-Hungary and Russia argue over who would control the Balkan region (a territory near Turkey).
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Archduke Francis Ferdinand (heir to the throne in Austria-Hungary) and his wife are shot in Sarajevo, Bosnia by members of a terrorist group called the Black Hand
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With support from the Germans, the Austrian leaders send an ultimatum to Serbia, making multiple demands.
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When multiple demands of the Austrian-Hungarian ulrimatum were rejected by the Serbs, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
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Russian leader Czar Nicholas II orders partial mobilization of the Russian army against Austria-Hungary in an act of supporting Serbia.
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Czar Nicholas II orders full mobilization of his army in the idea that Germany would respond to the mobilization against Austria-Hungary.
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Russia refuses to halt the mobilization of its army, causing Germany to declare war on them.
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Ireland becomes an independent nation by declaring independence from Great Britain.
