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Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated
This event single handily is acknowledged as the spark that lit the fire of WW1. Archduke Franz Ferdinand the heir to the Austria Hungarian Empire, was shot to death with his wife by Serbian Nationalist in Sarajevo, Bosnia. One month later Austria-Hungary declared war on on Serbia, and within a week, Russia, Belgium, France, Great Britain, and Germany, then WW1 began. -
8 Year Old Soldier
Momcilo Gavric was the youngest soldier in the first war. After Austria Hungarian soldiers killed his parents and siblings in a raid on his village. He survived the attacks and wandered off to find help. He ran into the 6th Artillery Division of the Serbian Army. That night he was given a gun and the location of Austria Hungary's to act in revenge for the death of his family. After surviving multiple battles he became the youngest corporal in history. -
First Battle of the Marne
The First Battle of WW1, started off with German success due to their powerful military. They didn't have much backup so they couldn't push the defense. France and Britain countered the Germans moves and forced them to retreat. This war was just the beginning and showed both sides how grueling this would be. -
U.S Joins the War
One afternoon on the South Coast of Ireland, a British ship known as "Lusitania" was sunk by German troops without warning. Out of 1,959 people on board, 1,198 drowned and died, including 128 Americans. Although the U.S stayed neutral until they joined the Triple Entente Alliance in 1917, this was a main influence in the U.S getting involved in the War. -
Jutland
This was the largest naval battle of WW1. It was the only time that British and German fleets came to blows. Right off of Denmark's North Sea gunfire wasn't stopping between the two. When both of Britain and Germans main ships met, the British laid the hammer, forcing the Germans to retreat. Britain maintained control of the sea, but both sides made an argument for victory. -
Battle of the Somme
British and France were teaming up to grab a large victory over thee Germans Western Front. As they attacked the River Somme, but German pressure slowed down their strategies. After the first day Britain had 57,000 casualties, making it the bloodiest day in Britain's history. This loss showed many lessons the allied forces needed to learn from to take this force down. -
First Tanks
"The British employ the first tanks ever used in battle, at Delville Wood. Although they are useful at breaking through barbed wire and clearing a path for the infantry, tanks are still primitive and they fail to be the decisive weapon, as their designers thought they would be"(Shmoop Editorial Team). -
Zimmerman Telegram
"On March 1st, 1917, the American Public learned about a German proposal to ally with Mexico if the United States entered the War"(The National WW/Museum and Memorial). Months before Britain decoded a message from Germans minister Arthur Zimmerman to Mexico saying they were willing to team up to take the U.S. Southwestern States. -
Getting Drafted (Veteran)
The day was November 6th, 1917 when Harry Frieman was drafted to War and sent to Camp Meade in Maryland. -
Battle of Amiens
This was a great allied victory, which was going to help bring the war to an end. The allies launched a great attack of 75,000 men, 500 tanks, and 2,000 planes. Our attack was bringing great gains and causing many casualties. Germany held as much as they could, and their leaders were convinced they might not be able to win this war. -
Headed to the Hospital (Veteran)
On August 20th, 1918, Harry Frieman had a temperature of 103 degrees and went to the hospital because he contracted "grippe" which today is known as the influenza. -
Battle of Megiddo
This was the beginning of the final British offensive attacks. These attacks would lead to victory over the Ottoman Turks and their German Allies. It led to a series of victories that forced them to withdraw from the war all together. -
A Tough Day (Veteran)
Little shelling done to American front lines. There were multiple air battles throughout the day. Received orders to move that night. Hiked for hours and slept in a cold field. Harry only had 2 meals and they were not very good. -
No Man's Land (Veteran)
His troop advanced with shells coming at them. They went so fast artillery couldn't catch them, they had many causalities in the 313th Regiment. John Ryan the most liked man in their company was killed. They kept moving forward but were under German observation at all times. Many causalities were caused by artillery. -
Christmas During War (Veteran)
It was Christmas Day and Harry's Regiment had no drill on this day. The way the men got to celebrate was by eating a rotten turkey. Harry did get to see some "hot soldiers" as he said that night.
