Outbreak of the Great War

The Great War and the Revolution

Russia 1914.0803

Outbreak of the Great War

World War I in eastern Europe and the Russian Revolution (3 August 1914)

Historical Map of Russia & the former Soviet Union

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Bosnian Serb in June 1914 triggered a series of political crises across Europe. On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, a country protected by Russian guarantees. Russia responded by mobilizing its armies, which in turn led to war with Austria-Hungary's ally Germany. A few days later, France and then Britain joined the war on the side of Russia.

Main Events

Balkan Wars

The First Balkan War breaks out, seeing Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, and Serbia defeat the Ottoman Empire, taking most of its territory in Europe. This is quickly followed by the Second Balkan War, in which Bulgaria is defeated by its former allies, the Ottoman Empire, and Romania in a fight over the division of Macedonia.

Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated at Sarajevo

Outbreak of World War I

The Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on the Kingdom of Serbia, in response to Serbia's rejection of Austria-Hungary's July Ultimatum. In the following days, Russia, Germany, France, and Britain will enter the conflict, resulting in the First World War.

Germany declares war on Russia

Germany declares war on France and invades Belgium

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