Timetable for the War to End All Wars
June 28, 1914
Assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Heir Apparent to the Astro-Hungarian Throne and his wife, Duchess Sophie. The Archduke’s plan for a triple monarchy was feared by the malcontents. It must not be given a chance to succeed. Austria sends an ultimatum to Serbia. Serbia would meet most but not all of the demands.
July 25
Austria declares war
July 25
Russia mobilizes in support of Serbia. Mobilization was the same as declaring war because once armies started they could not be stopped without upsetting all the plans.
August 1
Germany declared war on Russia.
Under agreement France had to help Russia so Germany was also at war with France. Germany now had enemies on two fronts.
August 2
Britain agrees to support France
August 3
Germany enters Belgium
August 4
Britain declares war on Germany because Germany had entered Belgium
September 23
Italy switches to Entente because she claims not defensive so the Alliance did not hold. (Plus the Entente promised her land if she switched sides.)
From 1914-1918 12,000,000 soldiers would be killed.
WME
Timetable for the War to End All Wars