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The Shooting of Ferdinand and Sophie
On the 28th of June 1914, Ferdinand, the future leader of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and his wife were shot. It was as a result of this shooting that led to Austria declaring war on Serbia. In response to this, Serbia asked Russia for support and Austria asked Germany for support also. -
The War in the West
The Sclieffen plan was a plan Germany could use in the event of war. They would try to capture France and attack Russia in order to gain further control. Germany's Willhelm II, described that plan as 'Lunch in Paris, dinner in St. Petersburg.' In order to get into to France the German Army, led by General Moltke entered Belgium. -
Britain Declare War on Germany
In an attempt ot stop Germnay, Britain enter the war on the allied side. -
Battle of Marne
From the 5th of September onwards, Germany decided to change the Schleiffen plan. Germany attacked France from the East along the River Marne. The French built up a defence line and for 5 days they fought until the Germans were surrounded. The German leader wrote to Willhelm II 'we have lost the war' but it was not nearly over yet. -
The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
The sinking of the ship turned public opinion against Germany, it also contributed to the American entry into the war. The ship sank off the shore of Kinsale, County Cork and nearly 1,200 people died. -
Battle of the Somme Begins
Battle of the Somme
Two years later, the war was still raging. The most bloody battle was the Battle of the Somme in France. On the 1st of July, the British and French attacked the Germans and over 60,000 men died in the first day of the battle. -
End of the Battle of the Somme
By November, the Germans had been forced to retreat. 418,000 British died, 195,00 French casulties and 650,000 Germans were killed or wounded. -
America Enters the War
Because the Germans attacked and sank American Ships - America declared war on Germany and by early June of the same year, American troops landed in France. -
War Ends
Treaty of Versailles
At the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month, the German Armies retreated and accepted defeat. The Allies had won the War. 9 million soldiers had been killed. 20 million wounded. Amazingly, 210,000 Irishmen fought on the side of the British during the War. -
Treaty of Versailles
The American President, Woodrow Wilson, proposed a 14 Point Peace Plan. In 1919, a peace conference was held. There the treaty of Versailles was signed. The treaty forced the Germans to pay compensation called reparations to the winning countries. Germany also lost land in Europe, their colonies in Africa and their army was also limited. German anger at the conditions of the treaty would later lead to the Second World War.
