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Archduke Francis Ferdinand is assassinated.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event triggered a series of escalating diplomatic crises among European powers, ultimately leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. The complex web of alliances in Europe quickly drew major nations into conflict, igniting World War I. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This declaration set off a chain reaction among allied nations, with Russia mobilizing to protect Serbia, and Germany backing Austria-Hungary, leading to the rapid expansion of World War I across Europe. -
Germany invades Luxembourg and Belgium.
In early August 1914, Germany invaded Luxembourg and Belgium as part of its strategy to swiftly attack France via neutral countries. This violation of Belgian neutrality prompted Britain to enter World War I against Germany -
Austria-Hungary invades Russia.
Because after they declared war on Serbia, the Russians had to join as they held an alliance -
Allied forces halt German advance into France
In September 1914, Allied forces halted the German advance into France at the First Battle of the Marne, preventing the fall of Paris and forcing the Germans to retreat. This marked a significant turning point in World War I, leading to a prolonged stalemate and trench warfare. -
Germany begins naval blockade of Great Britain.
A wish to retaliate and to break Britain's command of the seas. -
Allied forces land on the Gallipoli Peninsula
In April 1915, Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in an attempt to secure a sea route to Russia and weaken the Ottoman Empire. The campaign, however, turned into a costly failure with heavy casualties and no significant strategic gain. -
Allies begin evacuation of Gallipoli
Allies start withdrawing from Gallipoli to avoid more losses. -
Battle of Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles was a failed Allied attack against German forces in France, resulting in heavy casualties. -
Battle of Magdhaba
The Battle of Magdhaba, fought on December 23, 1916, was a British-led Allied victory against the Ottoman forces in the Sinai Peninsula. It secured a crucial position for the Allies, paving the way for further advances towards Palestine during World War I. -
First Battle of Bullecourt
The First Battle of Bullecourt, fought from April 10-17, 1917, was a failed Allied attempt to break through German defenses in northern France. Australian and British forces faced heavy casualties, and despite initial gains, they were ultimately forced to retreat. -
Second Battle of Bullecourt
The Second Battle of Bullecourt, fought from May 3-17, 1917, was another attempt by the Allies, primarily Australian forces, to break through German lines. While initial progress was made, the battle ended in heavy casualties and limited success, with the Allies failing to fully capture the objective. -
Start of the third Battle at Ypres
The Third Battle of Ypres began on July 31, 1917. In this battle, the Allies aimed to break through German defenses on the Belgian coast, but heavy rain, mud, and strong German resistance led to high casualties and limited success. -
German Army suffers significant defeat at the Somme
The German Army suffered a significant defeat at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, with heavy casualties and a loss of morale. The intense Allied offensive marked a turning point, weakening German forces and contributing to the prolonged stalemate of World War I. -
Mont St Quentin is captured
Mont St Quentin was captured by Australian forces on September 1, 1918, in a daring assault that broke through strong German defenses. This victory was a pivotal moment in the Allied advance, weakening German positions and boosting Allied morale towards the end of World War I. -
Armistice with Germany
The Armistice with Germany was signed on November 11, 1918, ending the fighting on the Western Front and marking the end of World War I. This agreement led to Germany's surrender and set the stage for peace negotiations. -
Paris Peace conference begins
The Paris Peace Conference began on January 18, 1919, bringing together Allied leaders to negotiate terms for peace after World War I. The conference resulted in several treaties, including the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed reparations and territorial losses on Germany. -
The Treaty of Versailles signed with Germany
The Treaty of Versailles was signed with Germany on June 28, 1919, officially ending World War I. The treaty imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany, reshaping European borders and laying the groundwork for future tensions.