July 28, 1914 marks the official start of World War I, the conflict that would reshape the political, social, and military landscape of the 20th century.
On that day, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction among Europe's major powers. This declaration followed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, exactly one month earlier in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist. What might have remained a regional conflict quickly escalated, as long-standing alliances and rising national tensions ignited a global war.
Within days, Germany mobilized in support of Austria-Hungary, while Russia aligned itself with Serbia. By early August, France and Britain had entered the conflict, and Europe was plunged into war. Each state acted swiftly, driven by a mix of military planning, diplomatic missteps, and nationalist fervor.
The events of July 1914 shattered the illusion of a peaceful, interconnected Europe. It was the end of the so-called "long 19th century" and the beginning of modern warfare. Industrial, total, brutal, merciless and devastating.
The outbreak of World War I is remembered for its immediate consequences and unprecedented scale of destruction that followed. Over the next four years, more than 70 million military personnel would be mobilized, and millions would lose their lives in the trenches, fields, and seas of battle.
What began on July 28 as a declaration of war between two nations ultimately involved much of the world. And it changed the world forever.
July 28, 1914 marks the official start of World War I, the conflict that would reshape the political, social, and military landscape of the 20th century.
On that day, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction among Europe's major powers. This declaration followed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, exactly one month earlier in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist. What might have remained a regional conflict quickly escalated, as long-standing alliances and rising national tensions ignited a global war.
Within days, Germany mobilized in support of Austria-Hungary, while Russia aligned itself with Serbia. By early August, France and Britain had entered the conflict, and Europe was plunged into war. Each state acted swiftly, driven by a mix of military planning, diplomatic missteps, and nationalist fervor.
The events of July 1914 shattered the illusion of a peaceful, interconnected Europe. It was the end of the so-called "long 19th century" and the beginning of modern warfare. Industrial, total, brutal, merciless and devastating.
The outbreak of World War I is remembered for its immediate consequences and unprecedented scale of destruction that followed. Over the next four years, more than 70 million military personnel would be mobilized, and millions would lose their lives in the trenches, fields, and seas of battle.
What began on July 28 as a declaration of war between two nations ultimately involved much of the world. And it changed the world forever.