-
Development of Alliances
The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy) formed the basis of the Central Powers. The Triple Entente consisted of Britain, France, and Russia. -
Stalemate on the Western Front
One of the main reasons there was a stalemate because of the failure of the Schiefflin plan. The Schiefflin plan wanted to take paris in 6 weeks and then try to turn on Russia. Once this failed, the Germans created a new way of fighting, trench warfare. This new warfare brought about new tactics and new ways to fight during this war. -
Technology in WWI
There was a big boost in technological advances during WWI from Mustard gas, tanks, and airplanes to trench warfare. Mustard gas brought a new perspective into this war because it was so deadly and could be so widespread everyone would have to war masks which could cause exhaustion. Tanks and airplanes brought a new look by how they are so powerful ad how they could take multiple hits from an enemy and still be standing. Trench warfare brought new tactics and ideas for bombings and fighting. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand / Austria-Hungary Declare War
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is said to have been the primary cause of the start of WWI. On June 28th, 1914, Archduke Franz and his wife was shot and killed by a "Serbian nationalist" in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Austria-Hungary blames the Serbians for the assassination and hoped to answer the unsolved question of the Slavs nationalism forever. After Germany agreed to allow so, on June 28th Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. -
First Battle of Marne
The First Battle of Marne was from September 6-12, 1914, which was a win for the allies, as the United Kingdom and France defeated the Germans. This battle was the first to use radio intercepts and automotive transport of troops, once an offensive order was made by the French commander-in-chief Joseph Joffre. On September 10th the Germans began to retreat that stopped on the northern end of the Aisne river, which began the use of Trench Warfare -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Sinking of the Lusitania was important because it was the main factor that drove Congress to join the war. The Lusitania was a passenger ship that was hit by a German Torpedo. 128 American lives were lost due to these actions so that's why the US had a legit reason to join the fight. -
Zimmerman Telegram
When British Intelligence Force intercepted a telegram, Germany's secretary Arthur Zimmerman. The telegram suggested that Mexico side with the Nazi's if the US goes to war with Germany, in exchange for Southwestern territory in the US as well as "lost provinces" of Texas. Mexico did not accept the offer, however the support of America going to WWI went up. -
Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution became relevant by the collapse of an empire under Tsar Nicholas II and the rise of Marxian socialism under Lenin and his Bolsheviks. The Russian Revolution did not impact the outcome of the war.The Russian Revolution ultimately lead to the formation of the Soviet Union. -
America Joins the War
America before 1917 was a supplier of goods and a supplier of loans out to multiple countries. The US entered the war because of the Sinking of the Lusitania and the ZImmerman Telegram. America brought a new look for the Central powers because America is such a huge military advancement. Arrival of fresh American troops was the greatest contribution to the war which would boost the moral of other Allied power troops. America would soon put forces in all areas to help the Allied powers. -
Selective Service Act
The selective service act required men to the age of 18-25 sign up to join the war. However, it did not mean that you would go to war but you have to sign up in order to have a majority of people ready to fight when needed. This act caused stress between men and their parents because you would know if you would be selected to go into war. -
Armistice
WWII ended November 11, 1918, due to German loss of manpower, supplies, and facing invasion. This war left 9 million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded and also this war left at least 5 million civilians dead. The Allied powers defeated the Central powers. -
Wilhelm Abdicates
Kaiser Wilhelm puts an end to Germany's participation in WWI. He and his people go to the Netherlands, where Wilhelm lives in peace for the rest of his life. He writes a memoir claiming what he did in WWI was great.
