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Assassination of Archduke and Sophie
In Serajevo, Gavrilo Princip ("Black Hand" member) assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Archduke was heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia due to this. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Austria-Hungary did not like Serbia's growing independence, and Archduke's assassination sparked everything. This conflict started WW1. -
Sinking of Lusitania
A German U-Boat torpedoed the British ship "Lusitania", killing around 1,195 people (including 123 Americans). It sank in only 18 minutes and immediately caused issues between Germany and the neutral United States. -
Battle of Verdun
The French were repulsed by a major German offensive. It is known as one of the bloodiest and longest battles of WW1. Artillery almost caused a million casualties during this war. -
Battle of Somme
French and British forces fought Germany on the western front. Tanks were used in battle for the first time in history, and it was an Allied victory. It is known as one of the biggest battles during WW1. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was Signed
A treaty signed by Soviet Russia and Germany: to ensure territory and money gain for Germany. For the removal of a war on its eastern front and to ensure safety for Russia. -
Armistice
This agreement stopped fighting on the western front and became a known day in history. It was the ceasefire that ended hostilities between the Allies and Germany. It was during the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. -
Peace Conference held in Paris
This conference was held outside of Paris to discuss the Treaty of Versailles. The United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the United States became known as the "Big Four" in order to stop WW1. -
Treaty of Versailles Takes Effect
Meant to establish peace at the end of WW1. Strict measures were put on Germany in which they were essentially blamed for the whole war. Britain, Italy, France, and the U.S. were the main factors in the treaty. -
US Congress Refuses to Join the League of Nations
Congress did not join the League of Nations because the expenses would reduce the United States' ability to defend its own interests. Wilson was enthusiastic to join the League, and even created the Fourteen Points to join.