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Stalemate on the Western Front
The Stalemate on the Western Front was a stalemate between the French and Germans largely due to the disadvantages of trench warfare. Neither side could push through the other and this ended up with both sitting in trenches. The problem with Trench warfare was that neither pushed forward and took land. This lasted for a few years and neither side concurred the other. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Franz Ferdinand sparked the beginning of World War 1. Franz's death caused tensions to rise between Austria-Hungary and Serbia and as part of the alliance agreement, Germany had to side with Austria-Hungary and declared war on Serbia. The Triple Entente sided with Serbia in defense of Serbia and this sparked the beginning of WWI. -
Austria Declares War on Serbia
Austria declaring war on Serbia was the defining factor in the start of WWI. This was the beginning of WWI, as Germany was obligated to side with Austria-Hungary and the Triple Entente was obligated to side with Serbia. World War I broke out solely based on Austria- Hungary declaring war on Serbia. -
Britain Declares War
After German troops had advanced into Belgium territory, Britain could no longer ignore the events transpiring in western Europe. When they entered, they had changed the whole outcome of the war itself, because of their arsenal and firepower. They were also required to join through the secret alliance of the Triple Entente. -
The First Battle of Marne
The First Battle of Marne was the last mobile battle, while all others were fought using trench warfare. This was a battle in which French and British troops met the German troops at the River Marne. Ultimately the Allies were victorious and the Central Powers were devastated. -
Sinking of Lusitania
The Lusitania was an American non combat vessel that had been transporting non lethal supplies to allies and had been sank by a German U-boat. The sinking is considered to be the turning point in WWI, as it pressured president Wilson into entering the war and effectively changing its outcome. -
Technology in WWI
The first time technology was developed at such a pace for war was World War I. Technology such as mustard gas, while horrible was an effective tool in modern warfare. Machine guns revolutionized firearms and warfare, as it made it much easier and faster when firing guns. The German U-Boat was also a revolutionary piece of technology, because it allowed for sub surface battles and stealth operations. -
First use of Tanks
The first use of a weaponized tank was during the Battle of Somme. Many of the tanks used had some sort of malfunction, but many were able to break through. These vehicles revolutionized ground warfare. -
Russian Revolution
Czar Nicholas II entered WWI in an attempt to aid the Serbians with their fight against Austrai-Hungary and Germany. However, the result of this was Russia had been driven into an economic downfall, subsequently impoverishing the nation and its people. Many citizens were growing restless and eventually revolted against their own government. The Bolsheviks seized power and later would become the leader of the communist nation. -
America Joins the War
Prior to America joining the war, they had not had any combat engagement, but rather supplied the allies with needed resources. America had been pressured into joining through the sinking of the Lusitania, which resulted in the death of innocent Americans. President Woodrow Wilson had been pressured by this and the Zimmerman note, a telegraph sent by Germany in an attempt to have Mexico attack the US. America joining the war surely turned the tide and was the final nail in the coffin. -
Selective Service Act
The Selective Service Act detailed a plan of action for constructing a force big enough to out match that of Germany and the Central Powers. The Act authorized the military draft, which at the time was scrutinized by American citizens for being a violation of free will, but Wilson had claimed he had no choice. This was a major pillar in the formation of America as a world superpower. -
Armistice
The Armistice of WWI was effectively signed and carried out on November 11th at 11. The Armistice stated that Germany was to recall its troops and to concede the war. The Allies had won the war thanks to the fighting spirit of the United States. -
Development of Alliances
In 1879, the central powers formed a dual alliance between Austria-Hungary and Germany to prevent future wars. The Allied powers formed a secret alliance in 1907 called the Triple Entente and it included Britain, Russia and France. There is some controversy surrounding these alliances, because it is assumed that the formation of these alliances were the reason the war broke out.
