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Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated! :o
What happened? On June 28th 1914, heir to the Austria-Hungry throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated whilst visiting Sarajvo, by a terrorist group known as the "Black Hand". A target was set on his head from the Serbians after Austria-Hungary, at the time, was beginning to take over Serbia. Primary source: A photo taken of Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie as they are laid after death. -
Continued... Franz Ferdinand
Importance: This event is extremely significant, as it essentially was the trigger to the beginning of the war. This was what gave Austra-Hungry the motive to declare war on Serbia. Even though the war had been brewing long before Franz's assassination, this was the event which began the chain of events to come. -
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia! :( Beginning of War!
What happened? Exactly one month after Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, Austria-Hungary, who blamed Serbia for the attack, declares war on Serbia! Primary Source: Newspaper article of Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia (1914). Importance: This is an extremely significant event, as it was the very beginning of the war. Austria-Hungary was what forced and motivated other countries to join the war. -
Battle of Tannenberg
What happened? In order to relieve the French who were under attack from Germany, Russia derived a plan to attack the German kingdom, Prussia.
The Germans were able to attack the army and swiftly force them out of Prussia, in an embarrassing loss for Russia Primary Source: Russian prisoners after the Battle of Tannenberg -
Continued... The Battle of Tannenberg
Importance: The Battle of Tannenberg was significant to the war because it stopped Russia entering Prussia and almost defeated the Russian army. The Battle did however slightly distract the German army from the Battle of Marne and allowed the allies to counterattack. -
The Battle of Marne
What happened? Germany was making fast progress with their 'Schlieffen plan', but as they began to encircle France, British and French forces came together in order to throw back the Germans. They succeeded and the Germans retreated from France on the 9th of September 1914. Making it a very short, but effective battle. Primary Source: Photograph taken of German soldiers during Battle of Marne. -
Continued... The Battle of Marne
Importance: This battle was significant as not only did the Allies stop Germany from invading Paris, but they were also able to take back lost land. The Battle of Marne also put a hault to Germany's plans to stop the war on the Western Front. -
Australia Captures German New Guinea!
What happened? An Australian military force in sent to take control of German New Guinea.The small military post put up a short fight, before signing a surrender six days after. Secondary Source: Map of the German Colony of New Guinea Importance: This event is significant, as it allowed the Australian Military to gain administration to New Guinea, which aided them during the war. Australia was also made to govern German New Guinea after the war was over, by the League of Nations. -
Battle of Ypres
What happened? After the German's 'Schlieffen Plan' failed, the race to the North Sea Coast began. Each army had already attempted to defeat each other from the North and the West, and this stretch of land was the last gap which either side could launch an attack.The Battle is said to be one of the most grueling in all of WWI, and after almost a month of fighting both sides were forced to retreat due to bad weather conditions. -
Continued... The Battle of Ypres
Primary Source: Photo of huddling soldiers in snow, just outside of Ypres. Importance: The Battle of Ypres stopped Germany from reaching the channel and also wiped out many of the German and Allies' soldiers, -
Second Battle of Ypres
What happened? The Second Battle of Ypres was the only major attack which was lauched by Germany on the Western front in 1915. The battle was ultimately devised to distract the Allies from the Eastern Front, and also test the use of chemical weapons. After just one month Germany failed in their attempt to take Ypres and began to bombard it instead.They later retreated because of a want of suplies. Secondary Source: 'The Second Batttle of Ypres' by Richard Jack. -
Continued... The Second Battle of Ypres
Importance: The Second Battle of Ypres was very important, as it is marked as the first use of chemical weapons on the Western Front. Because the Germans used these weapons, this encouraged the Allies, and many other countries, developed their own form of gas warfare, creating a faster and easier way to kill soldiers. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
What happened? The passenger liner Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo and over 1000 passengers died, 128 of those being American. Primary Source: Article printed when the Lusitania sunk. Importance: This was a significant event as it infuriated the Americans and made them pressure their government into entering the war. They eventually did enter the war, and assisted in ending it. -
Battle of Lonepine
What happened? The Battle of Lonepine was created by the ANZAC's as a diversion for the attack at Sari Blair. Lone Pine is situated near ANZAC cove in Turkey. The battle was successful as the ANZAC's had captured Lone Pine within two hours. Secondary Source: 'The Taking of Lone Pine' By Fred Leist (1921). -
Continued... Lone Pine
Importance: Even though the ANZAC's were successful in securing Lone Pine, it didn't actually create much of a diversion, as the soldiers who fought at Lone Pine were in a convienient postion to dash to Sari Blair, once they got news of its urgency. -
Battle of Sari Bair
What happened? In the Battle of Sari Bair, the ANZAC's attempted to take control of the Sari Bair Ridge and the Anafarta Hills in Suvla Bay. Their plan was for a dual attack, and securing these two spots would be essential to gain control of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Secondary Source: Electronic map of the Battle of Sari Bair. Importance: The Battle brought an end to the ANZAC's plans to take over the Gallipoli Peninsula, as the allies plan failed and both sides retreated from exhaustion. -
Continued... Battle of Verdun
Importance: The Battle of Verdun, although the longest battle in the war, was very unsuccessdul, both sides unable to capture many land at all. In the end, Germany needed to retreat in order to help their soldiers defending on the East. Each side did succeed, however, in damaging their opposition by wiping out horrendous numbers of solders, with almost 1 million casualties between the two sides.
This battle today is a symbol of the devasting effects of war. -
Battle of Verdun
What happened? Known as the longest and one of the most bloodiest battles in WWI, The Battle of Verdun was devised by Germany, as they were driven to go through with the 'Schlieffen plan'. The aim was to attack France through the city of Verdun, and wipe out France's army in order to bring Britain to their knees, and side with them. Ultimately making them bring the war to and end. Secondary Source: Painting of Battle of Verdun, by French artist Thiriat. -
Battle of Somme
What happened? The Battle of Somme was devised in order to relieve pressure from France who were fighting at Verdun. The aim was that British and French soldiers were to defeat as much of the German army as possible. The battle, fought in the Somme Valley, is known to have one of the largest number of deaths, lasting almost five months and ending on November 18th 1916. Primary Source: British troops in trenches at the Battle of Somme. -
Continued... Battle of Somme
Importance: Importance: The attack on Somme, although slow, allowed Britain to take 12 kilometres of ground. It did however, cost the Allies and Germany around 1.5 million casulties. It is also said that after the Battle of Somme, the British attained a more tactful attitude towards the war, and began improving their plans. -
Battle of Fromelles
What happened? In order to distract the German army from the Battle of Sommes, the ANZAC's derived a plan to fight the Germans in Fromelles, in their first battle on the Western Front. The battle failed, however, and they were forced to withdraw in less than one day. The Germans quickly realising the battle was just a diversion. Primary Source: Photograph of German strongpoint, Fromelles (July 1916) -
Continued... Battle of Fromelles
Importance: The diversion had no impact on the Battle of Sommes like they intended, but there were over one thousand casualties on each side. -
America Enters the War!
What happened? After the sinking of the Lusitania, in which 128 Americans were killed, and pressure from citizens of America, the American government decides to join the war! Primary Source: Uncle Sam poster from 1917, advertising the U.S army. Importance: America joining the war is a very significant event, because without their military and resources, the allies may have not been able to win the war. -
Battle of Vimy Ridge
What happened? Canadian soldiers were ordered to capture Vimy Ridge, so they carefully devised a plan to attack. The troops successfully overrun the Germans and won the battle. Secondary Source: 'The Battle of Vimy Ridge' By Richard Jack (1918). Importance: The battle is very significant as Vimy Ridge was a magnificant defense position, and aided the Allies. It is also known to be a very significant battle to Canada, as all the troops fighting were from the Canadian military. -
Continued... Battle of Passchendaele
Primary Source: Photo taken of Australian soldiers during the Battle of Passchendaele. Importance: The battle ended in Britain and Canada taking Passchendaele, but it was not a very effective win as they had lost so many lives and resources trying to take it. -
Battle of Passchendaele
What happened? The Battle of Passchendaele, or the Third Battle of Ypres, invloved the British, ANZAC's, Candian and german troops. The battle was for the town Passchendaele, Passchendaele was a significant piece of land, as it would have opened strategic access to a section of the front, it would have also aided the French defense forces. After a few months of hideous fighting in terrible conditions, Passchendaele was won by the Canadians on November 6th 1917. -
Battle of Cambrai
What happened? A plan was devised by Britain to launch an attack on Germany using all the tanks they possessed. Germany, who didn't have much defence, was forced to back down to Cambrai, a village in Northern France. The battle ended of the 7th of December, and the mass use of tanks did not achieve the desired development in the war, as their use was extremely limited. Primary Source: Photograph taken of German soldiers taking a British Tank. -
Continued... Battle of Cambrai
Importance: The battle of Chambrai was very significant as it marked the first battle that mass used tanks. It was discovered that tanks were not the most sufficiant weapon, as they create many obsticles on the battlefield. Both sides lost a high number of soldiers, and any land that Britain had taken was reclaimed by Germany by the end of the battle. -
Armistice is Signed!! End of War! :D
What happened? At 11pm on the 11th of November 1918, Germany agrees to defeat, and signs the Armistice, marking victory for the Allies. Secondary Source: A flyer created for Armistice Day, a holiday later created in Serbia. Importance: This event is extremely important as it marks the official end to WWI, and victory for the Allies. -
Treaty of Versailles is Signed! :)
What happened? The Treaty of Versailles, the peace agreement, is signed in Versailles, France, after WWI ended. Secondary Source: Cartoon showing Hitler coming out of the Versailles Peace Treaty. -
Continued... The Treaty of Versailles
Importance: The Treaty of Versailles ended the status of war between Germany and the Allies. However, it caused much controvesy, as a law in the Treaty stated that Germany needed to repay certain countries and accept responsibilty for the war. This caused many furture repercussions, and played a huge role in why the Second World War began. -
League of Nations Formed!
What happened? On January 10th 1920, after WWI had ended, The League of Nations was formed. The goal of the League was to ensure that no war should ever break out (nice try).
It was formed in Switzerland, a neutral country, who had not participated in the war. Primary Source: League of Nations meeting in 1920. -
Continued... The League of Nations
Importance: The League of Nations failed to maintain their goal of peace and unsuccessfully stopped WWII from occuring. From this, they have now made the United Nations, which has so far, been successful in stopping any world wars.
