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Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo. His death is the lead to World War 1. -
The Start of World War I
Germany invades Belgium, starting World War 1. -
Battle of Marne
The First Battle of the Marne begins. Trench warfare begins as soldiers on both sides dig in. -
Germans Fire
The Germans fire shells filled with chlorine gas at Allied lines. This is the first time that large amounts of gas are used in battle with a result of a near-collapse of the French lines. -
Lusitania Sinks
A German submarine sinks the Lusitania. The ship carries 1,198 people, 128 of them Americans. -
Tsar Nicholas
Tsar Nicholas II takes personal control over Russia's armies. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun begins. The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle of World War I and was one of the bloodiest. -
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. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Germany sends the secret Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico to convince Mexico to join the war. The British intercept and decipher the coded message. -
War on Germany
April 6 - The United States declares war on Germany. -
Bolsheviks
The Bolsheviks successfully overthrow the Russian government during the 1917 Russian Revolution. -
Woodrow Wilson
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issues his Fourteen Points to peace. -
Treaty of Brest Litovsk
Russia signs the Treaty of Brest Litovsk, which is a peace treaty between Russia and the Central Powers. -
Germany Signs
Germany signs the armistice at France. Fighting ends on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. -
End of WWI
The Treaty of Versailles officially ends WWI. -
