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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo, setting off a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war. -
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official start of World War I. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium prompted Britain to declare war on Germany, expanding the conflict. -
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First Battle of the Marne
A crucial battle where Allied forces halted the German advance toward Paris, leading to trench warfare on the Western Front. -
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Battle of Gallipoli
An Allied campaign aimed at securing a sea route to Russia, resulting in heavy casualties and a stalemate. -
Russian Revolution
The Bolshevik Revolution led to Russia’s withdrawal from the war, allowing Germany to focus on the Western Front. -
U.S. Enters the War
The United States declared war on Germany, bringing fresh troops and resources to the Allied side. -
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Battle of Passchendaele
One of the war’s bloodiest battles, marked by horrendous conditions and significant loss of life for minimal territorial gain. -
Armistice Signed
An agreement between the Allies and Germany to cease hostilities, effectively ending the fighting of World War I. -
Treaty of Versailles
The peace treaty that officially ended the war, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, setting the stage for future conflicts.