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Archduke Assassinated
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated; this sparked the beginning of World War I. -
Russia Mobilizes
Russia mobilizes its army to intervene against Austria-Hungary in favor of Serbia. This starts a chain reaction that leads to the mobilization of the rest of the European Great Powers, and to hostilities between nations. -
World War I Begins
Germany invades Belgium, starting World War I in the process. -
Lusitania Sinks
German submarine sinks the passenger liner, the Lusitania. It carried 1,198 people. -
Germany Opens Fire
Germany fires shells filled with Chlorine gas at French lines; French lines almost collapse, but Germany is unable to take advantage of the breach. -
Germany Limits Submarines
In an effort to keep America out of the war, Germany limits submarine warfare on American ships; and ships in general. -
First Tanks
The British introduce the first tanks to the war. Although they're good at breaking down barbed wire and clearing paths, they're still primitive and not the weapon the creators thought it would be. -
Submarines Back
The Germans resume unrestricted submarine warfare in European waterways. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The British intercept a so-called Zimmerman Telegram, a telegram from Germany to Mexico suggesting that Mexico side with Germany. Mexico declined, but this stirred up the American public to support entering the war. -
Wilson for War
US President Wilson outlines his case to Congress to enter war. -
US Enters War
Congress approves a declaration of war to Germany, joining the side of the British and the French. -
Selective Service Act
Congress passes the Selective Service Act, an act authorizing the draft. Though criticized for it, Wilson claims to see no other action and signs the bill into law. -
Germany and Russia Peace
Germany and Russia sign a peace treaty which grants Germany land. This causes issues for the British and French, as it allows Germany to shift to the Western front. -
Battle of Cantigny
The battle of Cantigny is the first major American offensive in the war. America fights bravely, and later moves on to larger scale battles. -
Chateau-Thierry
The Americans attack the Germans at Chateau-Thierry. This later morphs into a much larger battle. -
Battle of Belleau Wood
The battle at Chateau-Thierry morphs into the much larger battle of Belleau Wood.There are huge casualties. -
Wilhelm Abdicates
Wilhelm abdicates, crushing all hope for a German victory. He and his retinue slip over the border to the Netherlands, where they finish their lives in peace.