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Russia Protects the Armenians
Russia is victorious in Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Russo-Turkish Treaty of San Stefano provides for protection and reforms for Armenians. -
Joint Memorandum
Britain, France and Russia present a joint memorandum to the Sultan, pointing out the disastrous situation in the Armenian provinces and urging him to proceed with the reforms. The Imperial Turkish Government replies in August 1895 and promises to carry out the reforms specified in Article 61 of the Treaty of Berlin. -
Peaceful Demonstration Turns Deadly
In the Bab Ali section of Constantinople, Armenians carry out a peaceful demonstration. The Turks set upon killing Armenians. 2000 Armenians die. Protests by the Great Powers by joint note from three ambassadors (French, British and Russian) on October 13-15 demand reforms. On October 31 a decree is issued, providing for reforms. -
Ottoman Constitution
The Ottoman Constitution is proclaimed. -
Armenian Reform Project
Under the combined influence of Russia and Great Britain, the Turkish authorities sign the Armenian Reform Project and agree to take certain measures in favor of the Armenian population. -
Alliance Between Turkey and Germany
A secret treaty of alliance is signed between Turkey and Germany virtually placing the Turkish armed forces under German command. -
Censorship From Turkey
Turkish Government starts to censor all telegraphic communication. -
Armenians in WWI
Armenians participate loyally in the war effort during World War I. Some Armenian presence in the Russian Army will become an argument used by the Turkish authorities in their attempt to justify the measures they took later to destroy the Armenian people. -
Massacre in Van
Armenians in Van begin to flee to Russia and the Turkish forces attack villages of the vilayet, destroying 80 villages and slaying 24,000 Armenians in the vilayet and city of Van. The Turks accuse the Armenians of collaboration with the Russian troops. -
Armenian Leaders Killed in Constantinople
800 Armenian leaders, writers and intellectuals are arrested in Constantinople and murdered. -
Threat to Ottoman Government
The governments of England, France and Russia jointly warn the Turkish government publicly that "They will hold personally responsible... all members of the Ottoman government and those of their agents who are implicated in such massacres". -
Deportations Begin
Mass removals and deportations of Armenians begin in Samsun. -
The Swiss Discuss the Genocide
In Bern, Switzerland, at its Central Hall, public meetings are held deploring the ongoing Armenian tragedy. -
Lord Calls to the English
Lord James Bryant denounces the Turkish government by saying that there is no justification in the Islam religion for these massacres. He calls on the English "to send help for the poor, wretched survivors, hundreds of which are dying of starvation and disease". -
The Call
110 famous German and Italian civilians in Switzerland, including scientists, journalists and public figures publish "The Call" both in French and German, in defense of the Armenian people. -
Meeting At the American Club
In Paris at the "American Club", a public meeting urges help to alleviate the Armenian suffering. -
Congress Votes to Help Armenians
The United States Senate votes to ask the President of the United States of America to set a special day when citizens of this country can help Armenians with financial support, President Wilson designates August 21 and August 22 for making contributions for the Armenians. -
France-Armenia
"France-Armenia" company is formed in Paris, members of which are ministers of the French government, senators, deputies, Georges Clemenceau, writer Anatole France and other dignitaries. -
Declaration of Fourteen Points
President Wilson's Declaration of Fourteen Points is published. The 12th Point extends promise to the Armenians of security of life and an unmolested opportunity for autonomous development. -
Presentation to Congress
United States Congressman Edward Little presents a resolution to the Congress advocating that the "Armenian people have the right to be free and independent, have an outlet to the sea and be the masters of the Christian culture for which their sons had been sacrificed". -
Mandate Over Armenia
The President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, asks the Congress to give him the right to accept a mandate over Armenia and send troops there. Ultimately, the United States decides not to accept a mandate because of the inherent risks, even though still widely sympathetic to the Armenian cause. -
Treaty of Sevres
The Treaty of Sevres, signed by Turkey, Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Armenia, Belgium, Greece, Lebanon, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbian-Croatian-Slovenic Republic and Czechoslovakia, recognizes the Armenian Republic and ordains that the borders between Turkey and Armenia in the vilayets of Erzerum, Trebizond, Van and Bitlis be determined by President Wilson. According to the peace agreement, Turkey accepts its responsibility for the crimes against the Armenians during the war.
