sending an expeditionary force to the continent. (January-April)
1907 At the second Hague Peace Conference, Germany rejected any scheme for disarmament. (June-October)
The Triple Alliance was renewed for a further six years. (July)
Russia and Britain signed a convention that, with France, led to the Triple Entente. (July)
1908 Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina ended the gentleman's agreement between Austria-Hungary and Russia that both would maintain the status quo in the Balkans. The annexation greatly inflamed Serbian nationalism. (October)
1911 The Agadir Crisis was peacefully resolved between France and Germany - though during it Britain made preparations for war. (June-November)
1912 Haldane went to Berlin in an effort to get an end to the naval race between Britain and Germany - he failed. (February)
Germany introduced its third Naval Law. (March)
The first Balkan War led to Russia and Austria-Hungary mobilising but the crisis subsided when Russia withdrew its support for Serbian territorial claims. (October)
1913 Germany introduced a special tax that would finance the doubling of its army's strength. (June)
Military service in France was increased from 2 to 3 years. (August)
The Second Balkan War was ended by the Treaty of Constantinople. (September)
1914 Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Sarajevo. (June 28th)
Austria-Hungary sent Serbia an ultimatum. (July 23rd)
The Russians decided to defend Serbia against Austria-Hungary. (July 24th)
Austria-Hungary assured Russia that no Serbian land would be annexed; Austria-Hungary did not accept the Serbian reply to its ultimatum and ordered mobilisation against Serbia. (July 25th)
Germany and Austria-Hungary rejected Grey's suggestion for an international conference to settle the Austro-Serbian dispute. (July 26th)
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. (July 28th)
Russia began a general mobilisation. (July 30th)
Germany sent an ultimatum to Russia...