The Great War

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

While visiting the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo Ferdinand is assassinated by Gavrilo Princip.

Germany Declares War on Russia

Aug 1, 1914

Germany is the first nation to declare war after Russia refuses to demobilize their troops.

Battle of Tannenberg

Aug 26, 1914

Major battle between Russia and Germany that left over 180,000 soldiers dead or injured.

Treaty of London

Apr 25, 1915

Italia signs a secret pact with Britain to join the Triple Entente and fight against their former ally Germany

Battle of Verdun

Feb 21, 1916

Battle between France and Germany that would be the longest and deadliest battle of the war wich lasted 303 days with 1.2 million casualties.

Battle of the Somme

Jul 1, 1916

The first major battle fought by Britain and France versus Germany where 1 million soldiers were killed or injured

United States Declares War

Apr 6, 1917

Following the sinking of the Lusitania and recieving the Zimmerman Telegraph, The United States declares war on Germany.

The Russian Revolution

Nov 7, 1917

V.I. Lenin leads a communist revolution that overthrows the Russian czar and removes Russia from the war.

Armistice of Compiegne

Nov 11, 1918

The signing of the Armistice signals the end of fighting and requires all German troops to return behind their borders.

The Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

The Treaty of Versailles officially ends the war and forces Germany to pay reperations.