The Beginning of World War 1: Causes and early effects/events. Assassination of Austra-Hungary Archduke, alignment of numerous countries with the Central Powers and with the Allied Forces/Nations. Advance of Germany into Alsace-Lorraine territory in 1914. Battle of the Marne 1914 (France) major land battle resulting in approx. 500,000 casualties, German advance toward Paris suppressed by France military. War tactics involved chemical weapons, tanks and aircraft bombings. During today's session on the beginning and causes of World War 1, Kaitlin was well-focused and engaged in this important topic.