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Balkan Wars
The Balkan Wars were two separate conflicts in 1912 and 1913, where Balkan states fought against the Ottoman Empire to gain independence and territory. The wars resulted in significant territorial changes in the region and set the stage for further conflicts in the years to come. In the article from Britannaca, it says, “The Balkan Wars had their origin in the discontent produced in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece by disorder in Macedonia” (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). -
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 by a Serbian nationalist led to a chain of events that triggered World War I, as it exacerbated existing political tensions and alliances among European powers. “When it was learned that the heir-apparent to the Austrian throne, Franz Ferdinand, was scheduled to visit Sarajevo in June of 1914, the Black Hand decided to assassinate him because of his perceived threat to Serbian independence” (National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2023). -
World War I begins
World War I began in 1914 due to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, escalating into a global conflict involving major powers. Tensions, militarization, and complex alliances among European nations contributed to the outbreak of the war, leading to widespread devastation. in an article from warmuseum.com, it says, “The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914 set off a chain of events that led to war in early August 1914 (warmuseum, n.d). -
Lusitania sinks
The RMS Lusitania, a British ocean liner, was sunk by a German submarine in 1915 during World War I, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 passengers, including 128 Americans. The sinking played a role in the United States' decision to enter the war against Germany. On the article from Newspaper Pictorials, it says, “On May 7, 1915, the German submarine (U-boat) U-20 torpedoed and sank the Lusitania, a swift-moving British cruise liner traveling from New York to Liverpool, England” (Britana n.d) -
Verdun
The Battle of Verdun, fought in 1916 during World War I between French and German forces, was one of the longest and deadliest battles in history. Lasting for 10 months, it resulted in massive casualties on both sides and symbolized the brutal nature of trench warfare. In this article it says, “Battle of Verdun, World War I engagement in which the French repulsed a major German offensive" (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). -
Gallipoli, Somme
The Gallipoli campaign (1915) was a failed Allied attempt to secure a sea route to Russia. The Battle of the Somme (1916) was one of the bloodiest battles in WWI, with massive casualties on both sides. In an article it says, “The Battle of the Somme was a joint operation between British and French forces intended to achieve a decisive victory over the Germans on the Western Front after 18 months of trench deadlock” (iwm editors, n.d). -
Zimmermann Note
The Zimmermann Note was a secret diplomatic communication sent by Germany to Mexico in 1917, proposing a military alliance against the United States. Its interception and publication contributed to the U.S. decision to enter World War I. This article from National Archives says, “In January 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico” (National Archives, n.d). -
Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution was a series of revolutions in 1917 that led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of the Soviet Union, marking a shift from monarchy to communism in Russia. This article from History.com, says, “The Russian Revolution of 1917 was one of the most explosive political events of the 20th century. The violent revolution marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and centuries of Russian Imperial rule” (History.com editors, n.d). -
U.S. enters war
The United States entered World War I in 1917 after German attacks on American ships and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram, which revealed Germany's plan to ally with Mexico against the U.S. The U.S. joined the Allies in the fight against the Central Powers. From the first paragraph, it says, “On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went before a joint session of Congress to request a declaration of war against Germany” (pg.1, Milestones.com, editors, n.d). -
Russia withdraws from war
Russia withdrew from World War I in 1917 due to internal unrest and the Bolshevik Revolution. The new Bolshevik government, led by Lenin, signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, ending Russia's involvement in the war and leading to the loss of significant territory. To back my information up, and article says, “Russian Communists (Bolsheviks) took power on November 7, 1917, having promised to withdraw Russia from the war” (Study.com, pg.2, n.d). -
Chateau-Thierry
Chateau-Thierry was a significant battle during World War I in 1918, where American forces played a crucial role in halting the German Spring Offensive. The battle marked a turning point in the war, showcasing the effectiveness of American troops and their ability to fight alongside Allied forces. From an article it says, “With the arrival of the U.S. marines, and their support of the beleaguered French military, the croissant of Belleau Wood had been taken in 1918.” (HistoryOfTheNet, n.d). -
Argonne
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was a major battle during World War I in 1918, involving American and Allied forces against Germany. It was the largest offensive in U.S. military history, resulting in the liberation of key territories and the eventual armistice that ended the war. From the article it says, “Battles of the Meuse-Argonne, (September 26–November 11, 1918), a series of final confrontations on the Western Front in World War I” (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). -
Armistice
The Armistice of 1918 ended World War I on November 11th, marking a ceasefire between the Allies and Germany. It led to the eventual signing of the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending the war and establishing terms for peace, including Germany's acceptance of responsibility for the conflict. According to the text, “Germany’s spring offensive in 1918 gained them territory but exhausted their supplies and reinforcements, they pushed them back with the successful campaign” (pg.2-3 Sawers, n.d). -
Treaty of Versailles signed
The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, officially ended World War I and imposed harsh terms on Germany. The treaty aimed to punish Germany and prevent future conflicts, but its terms contributed to economic hardship and resentment, ultimately leading to World War II. “The four representatives of the principle allied powers were at the table: Clémenceau for France, Wilson for the USA, Lloyd George for Great Britain, and Orlando for Italy” (pg.2, chateauversailles, n.d). -
First meeting of the League of Nations
The League of Nations held its first meeting in 1920, aiming to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. It faced challenges in enforcing decisions and maintaining peace, ultimately failing to prevent the outbreak of World War II. According to this article, “The League of Nations was an international organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created after the First World War to provide a forum for resolving international disputes” (pg.1, Milestones, n.d).