# Outbreak of World War I (1914)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1914-outbreak-of-world-war-i
Location: Europe
Categories: main-event

After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, Germany promised Austria-Hungary unconditional support. Germany declared war on Russia on 1 August and France on 3 August 1914 and invaded Belgium. Britain then entered the war.

## Why it matters
Germany entered a war that would destroy the empire.

Ruler at the time: [Wilhelm II](https://germany-history.com/rulers/wilhelm-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – July Crisis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_Crisis)
- [Wikipedia – World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – World War I](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I)