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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
Franz Ferdinand, the nephew of the Emperor Franz Josef was mortally wounded by a Serbian nationalist; Gavrilo Princip. -
Germany declares war on Russia
Four days after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Germany declared war on Russia, who refused to end troop movement. This eventually led to the other countries getting involved. -
First air raid on Britain
On January 19, 1915, Germany sent three zeppelins to Britain. The L.3, L.4 and the L.6. The L.6 retreated after it had encountered mechanical problems. The other two successfully bombed coastal villages, leaving them in ruin. -
Unsafe British waters
The Germans declare that the north sea is a war zone, meaning that all merchant ships crossing would be destroyed. -
Chemical weapons are first used in battle during WW1
As the German soldiers assault the French around Ypres in northern Belgium, they release poisonous gases out of over 5,000 cylinders, creating a five-mile-wide gap in the allied lines. Unfortunately for the Germans, their troops were too hesitant to approach the clouds, even with proper face protection. The British and the Canadians take the opportunity to plug the gap, securing Ypres, but leaving them surrounded. -
Wilson's warning
After the sinking of the passenger ferry, the Sussex, that was carrying American passengers, president Woodrow Wilson threatened to sever diplomatic ties with Germany. The U-boats were recalled. -
Tanks are introduced
During the battle of somme, the British deploy tanks for the first time in history. They were too slow to hold their positions during the German counter-attack, and many were victim to mechanical malfunction. -
Woodrow Wilson reelected
using the slogan "He kept us out of war", president Woodrow Wilson was reelected by American voters. -
The Zimmermann telegram
On January 19, 1917, the British intercept a telegram sent by Alfred Zimmermann to Mexico city, outlining an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the currently neutral United States. -
America enters the war
The U.S. senate and the house of representatives both voted in favor of war against Germany, and it was declared. -
The Red Baron dies
Baron Von Richthofen, the Red Baron, is shot down and killed by the British. He is buried with military honors. -
The Armistice is signed
At 5:10 in a railway car in France, Germans sign the Armistice that would only take effect at 11 am.
