1914: World War One starts with the death of Franz Ferdinand and the mobilisation of European troops. Clashes in northern France remain indecisive as French assaults falter on German defences. The German High Command, seeing Russia as the biggest threat, send their forces eastwards, leaving the Western Front as a defensive measure for now. Italy also declares war on France, liking the odds the Central Powers are offering. Britain hovers before eventually declaring neutrality after seeing none of their interests threatened and Belgian neutrality respected. The War soon develops into a bloody stalemate with the Central Powers slowly edging towards their targets.