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Assasination of Franz Ferdinad
Archduke of Austria-Hungary Franz Ferdinand was assassinated while in Serbia, along with his wife. This enraged Austria-Hungary, and they declared an ulimatum on Serbia. -
Period: to
World War I
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The Great War begins
Serbia declined the ultimatum put on them, and declared war on Austria-Hungary. This was the beginning of the Great War. -
Germany declares war
The German government blames Russia for Serbia's actions, and declares war on them. This then brings the rest of the Allied forces into the battle. -
Battle of the Marne
The allied powers fought German troops, just north of Paris. The allies drove the Germans back, and gave themselves hope of winning the war. -
Trench Warfare
Soldiers began digging miles of trenches along the Wester Front. This fighting style was completely new, and created many stalemates. -
Battle of Verdun
The Germans launched a giant attack, and over 300,000 men were killed on each side. Even thought it was another stalemate, it weakened the Allied powers. -
Battle of the Somme
A huge battle where the British fought the German’s in France, and over half a million soldiers were killed. The battle lasted until September of that year, but it still resulted in a stalemate. -
Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
The German’s began using their submarines against the British, and would sink any ship in their waters. One of the ships contained almost 200 American citizens, and made President Wilson furious. -
US joins the war
After a telegram to Mexico from Germany, along with continued submarine warfare; President Woodrow Wilson joins the Allies in the war. -
Russia surrenders
The Czar Nicholas abdicated his throne, and communist leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin seized power. Since Russia was not yet industrialized, they were constantly short of guns, ammo, food and blankets. This caused Russian soldiers to surrender. -
Second Battle of the Marne
350 British tanks, along with 2 million American soldiers assaulted the Germans, who had almost won the war since they relocated their entire army to the Western Front. However, the combined forces drove the German's back. -
The Great War ends
After the Battle of the Somme, Kaiser Wilhelm II is forced to resign. Germany then surrenders, and an armistice is created. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was an attempt at a lasting peace throughout Germany that was signed in Paris. This Treaty placed many restrictions on Germany, especially on their military power.