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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Began a course of actions from every country which lead to the first World War. In June 1914, Archduke Ferdinand was travelling to Sarajevo when Serbian nationalist Nedjelko Cabrinovic severely injured Ferdinand and his wife (Sofie) using a bomb rolled into their open car (They both died afterwards). -
Germany supports for Austria-Hungary
The next course of action which pushed the tension to increase with Germany's miscommunication with Austria. Kaiser Wilhelm II provides unconditional support to any Austro-Hungarian action taken. A deadly mistake that further enhanced the eruption of the first World War. This move would create a chain reaction and spread far from Europe (Moving to the United States, Japan, etc). This fatal flaw would force countries to move from their neutral positions and act with military power and dominance. -
Battle of Marne
It was the offensive and retaliation on the German (invading Belgium and northeastern France) from French Army as well as the British Expeditionary Force.
Trench warfare would hold up its disastrous effects for the next 3 years because the Germans were unable to quickly conquer the French. The Schlieffen Plan by the Germans was compromised because of the need of the First German Army to support the Second from the French attacks. -
Sinking of the Lusatania
The sinking of the RMS Lusitania did not add direct effects into the war. Out of the 1900 passenger on the British ocean liner 1100 died on aboard from the torpedo fired by a German U-Boat. Which includes over 120 Americans. This created a better situation for the public opinion to change rather than the U.S involvement in World War. The United States would not join the war after the sinking of the Lusitania. It would take the U.S around 2 years to formally enter the WW. -
Battle of Jutland
This was the major naval battle of World War I between Germany and Great Britain. The battle began in the afternoon of May 31, 1916. Admiral John Jellicoe of England and German Admiral Reinhard Scheer played major role in this battle. Britain was able to hold control of the North Sea because of Jellicoe's maneuvering to take advantage of the daylight. This battles expressed the power of Great Britain in the Sea and pushed Germany ( Reinhard Scheer) to retreat in the battle. -
Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare
Germany used U-boats to create massive destruction around the British Isles calling it a war zone. This led to the sinking of the Lusitania which killed hundreds and destroyed munition for the British. Germany attacked many neutral countries increasing the tension with aggressive use of the German U-boats around England. Britain had to send a convoy to incoming ships to provides protection from the U-boats. This brought attention to Woodrow Wilson, U.S president, who sent a strong note for them. -
United States declares war on Germany
Earlier actions from Germany's aggression (Sinking of the Lusitania, increasing tension in the British Isles, posing alliances with Mexico and attempting to shift balance etc) during the War brought many countries into the conflict. The United States was one of many who joined the war after attempting to stay neutral. The United States joins Britain as an Allied Power in the first World War. Germany's opposition was created through the shift of public opinion and neutrality. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed near the polish border in modern day Belarus. This treaty was to officially take away Russia's involvement in the war and was signed with the central powers. This also brought territorial gains for the Germany temporarily. When the Allies' were victorious, Germany had to return the territory back to Russia according to the Treaty of Versailles (loss in the war). -
End of World War I
Germany surrendered after a lack of power in supplies and soldiers. The war ended with a total of 9 million deaths, 5 million civilian deaths from disease and starvation, 21 million wounded and most countries with around a million deaths in total. Most countries did not consider the deadly impacts of a World War. This was clouded by imperialistic and nationalistic views within countries. Many battles from Marne to Amiens, brought various turning points and unanticipated effects to the war. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles marked the official end to the World War. It was the result and fate for the countries in the future. Germany had lost most of its territories due to the Allied victory. The United States became stronger and more united after the war. The Treaty of Versailles was created for Germany to take blame for all damage and pay for reparations. The Treaty had 440 articles with 15 parts, the creation of the League of Nations, reduction of the German armed forces and more.
