I thought I'd start my research by looking at how World War 1 actually started...
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to Austro-Hungarian throne) assassinated on 28th June 1914.
- Ferdinand was killed by a Serbian nationalist secret society and Austria-Hungary wanted to stamp its authority on Serbia by bringing the assassins to justice and crushing the nationalist movement.
- Serbia had ties with Russia and Austria-Hungary knew this. Austria-Hungary asked for Germany's help if Russia decided to declare war on Austria-Hungary (not thinking this would actually happen).
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| Austro-Hungarian flag in 1914 |
- Austria-Hungary unsatisfied with Serbia's response to their threats declared war on Serbia on 28th July 1914.
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| Russian flag in 1914 |
- Russia, bound by treaty to Serbia then mobilises its army
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| German flag |
- Germany, bound by treaty to Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia on 1st August 1914
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| French flag |
- France, allied to Russia found itself at war with Germany and Austria-Hungary
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| British flag |
- Britain, allied to France declared war against Germany on 4th August 1914. Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and South Africa offer their military and financial assistance to Britain.
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| Japanese flag |
- After a military agreement with Britain, Japan declared war on Germany on 23rd August 1914.
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