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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinard
Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. He was assassinated in Sarajevo, Serbia on June 28th, 1914. Therchdule was killed by a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia, which brought Serbia's ally, Russia into the war. Germany backed up Austria and alliances were made, starting the World War. -
1st Battle of the Marne
Germany wanted to attack France and then Russia. The French and British launched counter offense which would help bring Germany's failure. This battle marked the end of mobile warfare. Trench warfare was then introduced. Since trench warfare was introduced, stalemate became a problem. Battles were longer, and lasted months. -
The Christmas Truce
On December 25th, 1914 German and British soldiers made it a peaceful day to celebrate Christmas and leave behind the war for a few hours. They sang carols and played a good-natured game of soccer. Although many used htis day to celebrate and sing carols, others used it as a day to burry their fallen companion. The next morning everyone was back to fighting, and while many tried to recreate this Christmas Truce, it has not been successful. -
The Lusitania is Sunk
On May 7th, 1915, a German U-boat sunk the Lusitania, a British ocean liner. There were over 100 Americans passengers that were abroad the ship. There were no American survivors. The United States was furious but still didn't declare war. -
The Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun was the longest and largest battle in War World I. Started on February 21st, 1916 and ended on December 16th, 1916. The Battle of Verdun was the primary reason why the British started the Battle of the Somme. Britain wanted to relieve some of teh pressure of the Germans off teh French. In the Battle of Verdun, France lost 360,000 men and the Germans lost 340,000 men. -
Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme started on July 1st, 1916. It was the bloodiest day in British military history. With 57,470 casualties in which 19,240 were killed. It was also the first battle in which tanks were used. The British started this battle to relieve the pressure of the Germans off the French in the Battle of Verdun. -
Zeppelin Attacks- First Air Raid
On November 28th, 1916 was the first German air raid on London that took place. The Germans thought that the British Air Force would go protect the home front and not attack the Germans in the air. Germans felt that that way they could gain more and help them in the war. -
The U.S. declares War
On April 2nd, 1917, President Wilson declared war on Germany. The Germans had sunk a ship carrying 100 Americans. The Germans had also sent a telegram to Mexico negotiating an alliance in trade o help getting states from the U.S. The US was allied with Britian, France and Russia. -
Lloyd Brown abroad the USS New Hampshire
Lloyd Brown joined the Navy on April 12th, 1918. Brown lied about his age to enter. Since men had to be 18 years of age to enlist, Brown lied about his age, being 16 years old at the time. Brown joined the USS New Hampshire as a Seaman. He also mentioned that he wasn't the only one lying about his age. Many men lied about their age to be able to enlist themselves in the military during the time. His records and papers still say that he is two years older than he really is. -
German Sumbarine
The USS New Hampshire shot and brought in a German Submarine. It was tied to teh Philadelphia Navy Yard and was displayed to visitors. The German soldiers abroad were taken as prisoners of war. Lloyd Brown was able to get on the submarine to investigate it. -
When the Armistice is Signed
The USS New Hampshire was in Philadelphia at hte time when teh Armistice was signed. Brown stayed in the USS New Hampshire for 11 months after the Armistice. Brown was an ordinary Seaman after the signing. -
The Armistice is Signed
The end of War World I is official at 11:00 am on November 11th, 1918. Germany was exhausted and their allies were dropping out of the war. Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated. The fighting continued in some places, but the war was over. Germany was given the blame over the war, and had to minimize their army by more than half. THey had also lost terretory. -
Kaiser Wilhelm II's Abdication
With the Germans at teh brink of a revolution, Kaiser steps down from the throne, signing teh Armistice and giving his proclamtion, His son wanted to lead his army back home, but was rejected by the people. He later went inot exil e with his father in Holland. -
Lloyd's Discharge
Only serving for barely a year and 6 months, Brown was discharged on October 6th, 1919. Brown was discharged as a Seaman Second Class from the USS New Hampshire. He later would reenlist as a Musician in the USS Seatle. -
Reenlisted as Musician
On November 10th, 1921, Brown reenlisted as a musician. He studied in Nortfolk, VA for music. A year later he boarded the USS Seatle. He played for Admiral Coontz's private orchestra. He traveled around the world playing in the orchestra for 4 years.
