World History B

Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

Archduke Francis Ferdinand was assassinated by a group called the black hand. They came from Serbia and they killed him because he threatened Serbian independence. His death is what most say sparked WWI.

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

Austria-Hungary after the death of their archduke decided to go to war with Serbia. Germany, being allies with Austria-Hungary, gave them the funding that allowed them to take Serbia to war.

Germany declares war on Russia

Aug 1, 1914

Even though the war started between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, many other European countries were pulled in through alliances such as Germany and Russia.

Great Britain declares war on Germany

Aug 4, 1914

Part of the Schlieffen Plan was for Germany to invade France by going up through Belgium. Great Britain, being allies with Belgium, did not like this and joined the war effort against Germany.

Schlieffen Plan

Aug 7, 1914

Germany needed to fight the war on two fronts against both Russia and France. The Schlieffen Plan was to start in France and then move to Russia as they saw France as the weaker opponent.

Battle of Somme

Nov 9, 1916

Great Britain helped France to push back German lines through a tough offensive that also helped the France win in Verdun. Very bloody battle with over 500,000 casualties on each side.

Battle of Verdun

Dec 16, 1916

Verdun was the longest and bloodiest battle of the first world war. It was fought between Germany and France and heavily included trench warfare.