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Balkan Wars
The Balkan Wars were two separate wars that resulted in thousands of deaths. In the first war, the Ottoman Empire was soon reduced to only a small stretch of land. The land that used to be the Ottoman Empire was now up for the taking. In the second war, different European countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, and Montenegro all fought over the land and resources that were given up by the Ottomans. This left Serbia being the only Russian ally in the Balkan area, says 1914-1918-online.net. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Both Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed by Black Hand assassins. In the midst of the crowd, these killers shot down the Archduke and his wife whilst they were on a ride to the Town Hall. The shooting within Sarajevo was considered to be the most important event that led to World War 1. From this, the tension between Austria-Hungary and Serbia grew only stronger. According to Duckster.com, the result was each sides' allies preparing to enter into an all-out war. -
Start of World War 1
According to History.com, tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia were through the roof. Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Serbia accused their rival country of the crime. In the face of accusations, Austria-Hungary called upon German support to prove its power. Soon, the war was declared between the two alliances. However, Germany attacked Britain, Russia's ally through Belgium, bringing both countries into the fight as well. -
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Gallipoli Campaign
According to History.com, this "was an unsuccessful attempt by the Allied Powers to control the sea route from Europe to Russia." Attacks started in February of 1915, followed by a land invasion. However, the allies were uninformed in their efforts, not knowing the land or the Turkish forces. They were forced to start the retreat in December of the same year due to massive casualties. The evacuation was officially over in January. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
In summary from Britannica.com, German U-Boats attacked the British ocean liner Lusitania. The ship sank quickly after being hit with torpedoes, and with it, 1,198 people died. Out of the nearly 1,200 people drowned, 128 U.S. citizens were killed as well. Originally, the United States wanted to keep its neutral state. However, later in 1917, the U.S. used this event as a reason to join the Allies in World War 1. -
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Battle of Verdun
According to Britannica.com, the French had to defend themselves from a German offensive. It was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, and the casualties for both sides rose to around 700,000. Lasting for 303 days, it proved the French's resilience. Early on in the battle, the Germans invaded and attacked, capturing much land from the French. However, in the later months of August through December, the French forces fought and took back forts and land that they had lost. -
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Battle of the Somme
During the Battle of the Somme, Allied forces wanted to destroy German barbed wire, but they weren't able to destroy it. They, however, thought they did and were consequently cut down. That was only the beginning of their efforts to try and break past the German line, with casualties stacking higher and higher into the thousands with each day. However, it was all in vain. According to History.com, the Allies only advanced 7 miles, and the Germans' line of defense was never broken. -
Russian Revolution
Czar Nicholas II was overthrown and replaced by Vladimir Lenin. The constant loss of Imperial Russia against the modernized German army was costing the country too much. The people, outraged by this and poverty that struck most people, fought for the resignation of the Czar and for a new government. HIstory.com states Vladimir Lenin and the Soviet Party began to become the new government of Russia. Under the new Communist ways, Russia continued to help in World War 1 but ended up in a Civil War. -
The Zimmerman Note
British cartographers intercepted a German telegram sent to Mexico. The telegram was sent by German Foreign Minister Andrew Zimmerman. This is why it was called the Zimmerman Note. On the telegram, according to Archives.gov, Germany was trying to ally themselves with Mexico, using United States territory as a bargaining chip. This led to outrage in the U.S. and eventually, the U.S. joined the Allies in the fight against the Axis Powers. -
The U.S. Enters WW1
The U.S. officially enters into the World War and sends troops to fight in French battlegrounds. There was only one main reason as to why they joined: the sinking of the Lusitania. Onboard that ship, 128 American citizens were killed. Originally, Americalibraries.gov says, the United States wanted to continue their path of neutrality. However, tensions began to grow more, and eventually, the U.S. joined the fight. -
Battle of Chateau Thierry
According to Melody Hull, this battle was a turning point in the World War. The Allies now had a new power: the American army. The Germans underestimated the power of the Americans, however, and advanced towards Paris. The American forces charged the Germans in a surprise attack, catching them off-guard and getting behind enemy lines. This, along with United States machine guns, caused the Germans to retreat due to too many casualties. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
The Russian Revolution had put the Bolsheviks into a position of power in Russia. Not soon after, an armistice with Germany was arranged, and negotiations began. Originally, Russia did not agree to the terms Germany had set. However, the Germans' unopposed power quickly changed their minds, according to LumenLearning.com. The treaty now let the Axis Powers have control over Finland, parts of Poland, as well as the Ukraine, while Russia withdrew from fighting. -
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Battle of Argonne Forest
According to Historycentral.com, this battle was the last one for the whole World War. Stretching on for 46 days, the Allies went on the offensive. Attacking with over 1 million troops, the Germans were pushed back. It was a slow yet steady process, however, as though they lacked in skill, the sheer number of troops exhausted the opponents. By November 11, 1918, they had already taken Argonne Forest, and were advancing on Metz. -
Armistice
Germany, on the side of the Axis Powers, and the Allies met up to negotiate a truce to stop fighting. On this day, the fighting between the two sides was stopped. This took place in a train car, History.com states, on a railroad inside of the Forest of Compiegne. Both sides wanted to have peace, and if they were to continue fighting, there would be no resources or reason to. An armistice was signed between the two sides, but Germany had to pay the price by disarming and disengaging all forces. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Allies, now having victory over the Axis powers, began to put new consequences on the losing countries. Germany was then held responsible for all of World War 1. Though Austria-Hungary was the original country that started the war, USHMM.org says it was Germany that was faced with all repercussions. Germany was forced to disarm and disengage their troops, as well as paying for the cost of material damages. This defeat and shaming grew Nazism and ultimately resulted in the second World War. -
First Meeting of the League of Nations
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Allied Powers met up originally in Versailles to come to peaceful terms. They, however, were unable to come to an actual agreement. Instead, they met up later in Geneva, without the United States urging for no repercussions. The Treaty of Versailles was brought up by President Wilson and was presented to the U.S. Senate. Though it was not ratified by Congress, the League of Nations was approved, says History.com.
