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World War 1
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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place on June 28 1914, in Sarajevo. Archduke was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Him and his wife, Sophie, were killed by Gavrilo Princip; a member of a nationalist group that seeks independence for Slavic people. Ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War 1. -
Austria-Hungary's Declaration of War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The Archduke was killed by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip. For this Austria blamed Serbia for supporting the attackers. Serbia refused some of Austria-Hungary's demands causing war. This lead to the start of World War 1. -
The Western Front
The Western Front was the main area of fighting in World War 1. It stretched from Belgium to northern France, where Germany fought against Allies, France, Britain, and later The Untied States. The front was known for the trench warfare where soldiers lived in muddy horrible conditions facing deadly battles. Major battles like the Somme and Verdun occurred there causing massive casualties. -
British Entering WW1
Britain entered World War 1 on August 4, 1914 after Germany invaded Belgium. The British had promised to defend and protect Belgium's neutrality, which Germany's actions violating this agreement. Britain joined the war to support its allies, France and Russia. The British Empire played a major role in the war, providing troops, resource, and power. -
The Battle of Marne
Taking place in September 1914, The Battle of the Marne was a key battle in early World War 1. It stopped the German advancing into France and prevented them from winning the war. French and British forces pushed back the Germans, forcing them to retreat and dig trenches. This battle marked the start of the trench warfare; a major impact of the war. -
Trench Warfare
The Trench Warfare was a method of fighting in which both sides dug trenches protected by mines and barbed wire. They were dug from the English Channel to Switzerland; 440 miles. These trenches were dug 6 to 8 feet deep. It was impossible to be above ground because how dangerous. No man's land was a disputed ground between the front lines or trenches of two opposing armies. Life in the trench warfare during World War 1 was extremely harsh and grueling. -
Use of Poison Gas
Poison gas was first used in World War 1, it was a new and deadly weapon. The causes were severe injuries, blindness, and death. This was first used by the Germans on April 22, 1915, they used chlorine gas against the French in the Battle of Second Ypres. Gas attacks were unpredictable and could harm both sides if the wind changed. Though a effective weapon it was not decisive in the war. Its use led to international bans after the war ended. -
The Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7th 1915, the Lusitania ship was sunk, 1,200 lives were lost. Britain and America was close trading partners this soon arose tension between Germany and the U.S. Germany announced unrestricted warfare, against all ships that entered war zone waters around Britain. A month later, a German ship sunk a private American vessel. This enraged President Wilson, but the German government apologized calling the attack an unfortunate mistake. -
The Battle of Verdun
The Verdun Battle lasted from February 21st-December 18th 1916, it was the longest and deadliest battle of World War 1. Germans used total war to drain the French of its resources. The French lost 400,000 casualties in 10 months of fighting, almost as much for Germany. It was the longest war because both sides decided not to give up. In the end neither sides won. -
Battle of Somme
The Battle of Somme took place on July 1st-November 1916. The British launched an attack in the Somme River to pull German troops away from Verdun. Both sides lost a great number of troops; the British suffered nearly 19,000 casualties on the first day of fighting. Over 1 million casualties on both sides at the end of the 5 month battle. The British bombed a mine making a huge creator, this wiped a whole town leaving no one left killing all French. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
Shortly after Germany's resume on unrestricted warfare, the public soon learned of the "Zimmerman Telegram." This was a coded message from German's secretary asking Mexico for an alliance against the U.S. if they entered the war. In return Germany would give Mexico money and help regain states. Zimmerman hoped a conflict Mexico would draw supplies and troops away from Europe. Mexico refused to join the war. -
The Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution happened in 1917 that led to major changes in Russia. Entering the war the Russian army was underprepared. They went into the war with little training, few weapons, and no food. The first revolution was in March it overthrew Tsar. In November, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin seized power in the second revolution. They made peace with Germany in early 1918, this pulling Russia out of the war. -
U.S. Involvement in WW1
America was outraged over the unrestricted warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram. On April 6th 1917 President Wilson declared war on Germany. The U.S. Army was not prepared. The army started with 200,000 men in 1917, by the end of the war there was four million. To help increase the number of soldiers congress passed the Selective Act; the act to make people join it's armed forces. The war ended on November 11, 1918, millions of soldiers fought 50,000 who had lost their life. -
The Armistice
The Armistice took place on November 11, 1918, it ended the fighting in World War 1 between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was an agreement to officially end fighting while peace terms were negotiated. Signed in a railway carriage in France, the armistice included Germany to withdraw it's military, weapons, and accept Allied positions in some areas. This is the mark of the Allies victory and the defeat of Germany, this lead to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. -
The Treaty of Versaille
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919 ending the World War 1 but barged harsh terms on Germany. It took away German territories and created new borders for countries, it also reduced Germany's military. The treaty stated Germany at fault for starting the war and forced her to pay war reparations. In the ending Germans felt targeted from the harshness of the Treaty. Many speculate this lead the rise to World War 2.