June - Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo. Austria-Hungary issues an ultimatum to the Serbian government. July - Russia promises to protect the Serbs, Germany promises a "blank check" to AH. Serbs reject ultimatum. Austria declares war on Serbia, Russia on Austria, and Germany on Russia. Germany decides not to attack France but concentrates on Russia. Germany does fortify the French border. August - Britain declares neutrality. France bides its time but does not enter the war yet. Germans press into Poland and sweep through. Austria attacks Serbia.