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First Soviets are formed
The first Soviets emerged during the 1905 Russian Revolution. They were councils made up of workers, soldiers, and peasants. These Soviets played a key role in organizing protests and demanding political change. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo. He was killed by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist group. The assassination sparked a chain of events that led to World War I. -
Schlieffen Plan
It was Germany’s military strategy during World War I. It aimed to quickly defeat France by invading through Belgium, then focus on Russia. The plan failed, leading to a prolonged two-front war for Germany. -
The Battle of the Marne
The Battle of the Marne took place in September 1914, just outside Paris, and was a decisive conflict on the Western Front. French and British forces successfully halted the German advance into France, preventing the fall of Paris. The battle marked the end of German hopes for a quick victory and led to the establishment of trench warfare. -
Beginning of the Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide began in 1915 under the Ottoman Empire. The government targeted Armenians, accusing them of siding with Russia during World War I. This led to mass killings, forced marches, and deportations, resulting in the deaths of over a million Armenians. -
The Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania, a British ocean liner, was sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915. The attack killed 1,198 people, including 128 Americans, causing outrage, especially in the United States. The sinking played a significant role in shifting American public opinion, eventually leading the U.S. to enter World War I. -
Munitions of War Act 1915
The Munitions of War Act was passed in Britain in 1915. It allowed the government to take control of munitions production and set wages and working conditions in factories. The Act aimed to ensure a steady supply of weapons and ammunition during World War I. -
The Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun took place in 1916 and was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I. Fought between French and German forces, it became a symbol of French determination, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The battle resulted in around 700,000 combined casualties, and although the French ultimately held Verdun, it drained both nations' resources. -
The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme took place in 1916 during World War I. It was one of the largest and bloodiest battles, with heavy casualties on both sides. The battle is known for the use of trench warfare and for the slow and costly advances made by the Allies. -
The first use of tanks in WW1
The first use of tanks in World War I occurred during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The British introduced the tanks to break through enemy trenches and barbed wire. Although they were slow and mechanically unreliable, the tanks marked a significant shift in military technology. -
International Women's Day March
The International Women's Day March of 1917 took place in Petrograd, Russia. Women protested for bread, better working conditions, and an end to World War I. This demonstration sparked the February Revolution, leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. -
The U.S. Entry into the War
The United States entered World War I in 1917, largely due to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. Germany's attacks on American ships and the secret proposal to Mexico further pushed the U.S. towards war. President Woodrow Wilson declared war on Germany, shifting the balance in favor of the Allies. -
The October Revolution
The October Revolution of 1917 was a key event in the Russian Revolution. Led by the Bolshevik party, it overthrew the Provisional Government and placed power in the hands of the Soviets. This revolution paved the way for the establishment of the Soviet Union under Lenin's leadership. -
The Armistice
The Armistice of 1918 was signed on November 11, bringing an end to the fighting on the Western Front. It marked a ceasefire between Germany and the Allied powers, effectively ending World War I. The armistice laid the groundwork for the peace negotiations that led to the Treaty of Versailles. -
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, officially ending World War I. It imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, and redrew the map of Europe. The treaty aimed to prevent future wars but left many unresolved issues, contributing to the rise of World War II. -
The Non-cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 was led by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It called for Indians to boycott British goods, schools, and institutions as a form of peaceful protest. The movement aimed to gain independence from British rule through non-violent resistance. -
Formation of the League of Nations
The League of Nations was formed in 1920 after World War I as part of the Treaty of Versailles. Its goal was to promote peace and prevent future conflicts through diplomacy and collective security. Despite its ambitions, the League struggled to maintain power and failed to prevent the rise of aggression leading to World War II. -
Formation of the Chinese Communist Party
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founded in 1921 in Shanghai. It was established by a group of intellectuals and revolutionaries, including Mao Zedong, with the aim of promoting Marxist ideals. The CCP later became a leading force in China's revolution, ultimately founding the People's Republic of China in 1949. -
Adoption of the Rentenmark
The Rentenmark was introduced in Germany in 1923 to stabilize the economy after hyperinflation. It replaced the worthless Papiermark and was backed by land and industrial assets, restoring confidence in the currency. The adoption of the Rentenmark helped to stabilize Germany’s financial system and ease the economic crisis. -
Ratification of the Turkish Constitution
The Turkish Constitution of 1924 was ratified following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. It established a secular, democratic government with a focus on nationalism and modernization. The constitution remained in effect until 1961, shaping Turkey's political structure for several decades.