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Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the spark that started WW1. Ferdinand and his wife were on their way to inspect some imperial troops that had been stationed nearby. A Serbian man actually threw a bomb near their car which was open in the top. As they moved on, Gavrilo Princip, shot Ferdinand and killed him. After this happened, Austria- Hungary declared war on Serbia and joined efforts with Germany. -
Battle of Mons
This was the British Army’s first battle in France. About 160,000 German soldiers attacked 70,000 British soldiers. This was also the beginning of using quick-firing artillery. Britain had to retreat since they didn't have the numbers. This gave Germany the advantage, and they took it. -
Battle of Marne
The French and the British wanted to defeat Germany. Sent troops into a “counter-offensive” attack at the Marne. Germans retreated after many days of fighting. This resulted in the end of mobile warfare on the Western Front in the war.
Since new weapons had been invented, the first few years in the war ended with lots of casualties. -
First Use of Poison Gas
During the first years of the war, the Allies and Central Powers had been experimenting with tear gas. Eventually, they figured out that they could use xylyl bromide as a type of tear gas. Germany figured they could use chlorine gas instead to kill by the thousands. Many soldiers did not know of this new invention and were killed causing about 7,000 deaths among the French during the first attack. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
German submarines had been patrolling waters around Britain and had warned about some ships being sunk if they suspected something was wrong. However Germans fired a torpedo at the passenger ship, the Lusitania, which carried about 128 Americans and more passengers. This was a spark that pushed America to join in the war and team up with the Allies. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle of WW1. Began with the Germans attacking a French town named Verdun. The French had been in the lead in the autumn of that year after Britain and Russia helped the French in the Summer after the battle began. Eventually, by the end of the year, the French won. Germany lost about 430,000 men that had been either killed or hurt. The French had lost about 550,000 men. -
The Battle of Jutland
The largest naval battle in the first World War was the Battle of Jutland. About 250 ships were involved with about 100,000 men. It was a huge battle between the British and German ships and about 8,500 men were lost on the first day. Britain’s goal was to also form a blockade to trap German ships and help them in the future. -
The Battle of Somme
Some people are saying that this battle was “the most painful and infamous episode of the First World War.” This battle was on the Western Front and the British wanted to be able to get through “no mans land” and takeover the German trenches. British artillery shells failed to go off and German gunners came up out of the trenches and began shooting. This lasted about 141 days and about 57,000 people were killed or injured. This is known as one of the bloodiest battles for Britain. -
The First Tanks Used in Battle
Since the First World War was a very developed war and people were inventing new weapons, tanks were a big deal. They could kill many people at once while protecting the ones driving it. The first tank used in battle was at Delville Wood, and the British had deployed it. -
Letter to His Father
Forbes wrote letter to his father talking about New Years day and how fun it was to not have to train or fight for once. Forbes also thought he would be able to visit or go home soon but was simply told he couldn’t. Overall New Years Day was fun of cheer and was so much fun for him. -
Letter from Commander Pershing
Forbes Allan received a letter from John J. Pershing thanking him for his service. Pershing also congratulated Allan on a successful beginning to the end of the war. This was a big moment to receive a note from a commander. Pershing was very thankful for the soldiers and how they were stuck in trenches and fought every day to win the war. -
Riding in Trains
Most troops would travel in cattle cars when they were sent to s different place. Forbes talks about how beautiful the land is. He also says how traveling in the cattle cars isn’t fun for there are many troops to a car. -
Treaty of Versaille is Signed
Since Germany had lost the war, they officiated it with the signing of the Treaty of Versaille. The Treaty of Versaille made sure that Germany paid for all the war costs. The Germans signed the Treaty, even though they didn’t want to, and the war was over. Though this led to a Great Depression for the Central Powers around Germany, Hitler rose to power hence the second World War. -
A Trip Through the Country
Forbes had traveled throughout Europe quite a bit now. He had been having a splendid time. Some troops were on a train for a while and reached a camp of sorts, then spent time at a casino in town. -
Christmas of 1918
Forbes wrote about how he saw many thing in France. He saw the Eiffel Tower and Napolean’s Tomb. Forbes also talked about how he would be able to spend time with Nancy, a French girl he had met while there.
