Triple Entente included UK, France, and Russia in 1907. Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Japan joined Entente in 1914, Italy in 1915. United States joined as co-belligerent in 1917
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Russia issued ultimatum to Vienna via Saint Petersburg. Russia mobilized reserve army along Austria-Hungarian border. Germany demanded Russia demobilize on July 31. Germany declared war on Russia on August 1
Bastions replaced medieval towers in 15th century with gunpowder artillery. Dutch engineers developed bolwerk design during Eighty Years War. Vauban incorporated bastion concepts into Napoleonic Wars
War began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Germany and Soviet Union formed Axis alliance after Munich Agreement. Japan invaded China in 1937, leading to war with China. Germany annexed Austria and Sudetenland in 1938
Pentagon is headquarters of US Department of Defense in Virginia. Built on accelerated schedule during World War II. Designed by George Bergstrom and built by John McShain. Completed January 15, 1943, after 16 months of construction. World's third-largest office building with 6.5 million square feet
Xerxes I ruled Persia from 486 to 465 BCE as Shahanshah. He was the first-born son of Darius the Great, married to Cyrus' daughter Atossa. His mother's Persian name was Khshayarsa in the east, Xerxes in the west