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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated June 28, 1914 by Gavrilo Princip, a 19 year old Serbian, while visiting Sarajevo. A Serbian terrorist group called the Black Hand planned to kill him. After a failed attempt at throwing a bomb at his car, he was later shot by Princip. This was a significant event because Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination of the Archduke and declared war on them, setting off a chain of events causing other countries getting involved. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Germany offered Belgium an ultimatum asking to allow their troops to march through Belgium on their way to France. Belgium declined, resulting in Germany invading Belgium. This event impacted the war by bringing Great Britain into it, them declaring war on Germany for violating Belgian neutrality. -
First Battle of the Marnes
This battle happened from the 6-12 of September. After the Germans invaded France, Paris evacuated.The French and British army surrounded the Germans and isolated them. German armies were forced to retreat. The victory of the battle was good for the French and British and forced the Germans into trench warfare, which lasted throughout WWI. -
Sinking of The Lusitania
The German submarine U 20, shot a torpedo at the British passenger ship, the Lusitania. The ship sunk in only 18 minutes and nearly 1,200 people lost their lives. Among the deaths were 123 U.S. citizens. This is what is mostly credited for drawing the U.S. into the war. -
Battle of Jutland
This battle took place of the mainland of Denmark between the British and German navys. This was the only major naval battle of World War I. Neither side had a for sure victory. -
Entry of the United States into World War One
After the sinking of the Lusitania, the U.S. decided to act. Large groups didn't come into Europe until 1918 but this gave all the Allied Powers a psychological boost. It also brought in more money and war goods. -
Second Battle of the Marnes
The Germans were making another attempt to win the war. The French were supported by U.S. and British troops. German troops retreated by July 20 and allies were stopped on August 6. Most German commanders considered this loss the beginning of defeat in the war. -
Armistice Signed
After William II left the country on November 9th, a democratic replubic was created. The new German government signed the armistice, as a truce to stop the fighting. -
Allies Sign Treaty of Versailles
This treaty stated that Germany and Austria were responsible for the war. It said Germany is ordered to pay for all the damage of the war. Also Germany had to reduce it's army, navy, and eliminate air force. Germany was mad, but trying to avoid a start up of the war again, they accepted.
