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Machine Guns
Sometime in 1914, machine guns were introduced to World War 1. The first machine gun needed a gun crew of six men to operate the gun. The gun was set on a tripod to get the targets accuracy. This gun could fire 400-600 small calibre rounds per minute. By the end of World War 1, scientists found out more ways and improved the gun, so by the end it could fire twice the original. -
Animals In World War 1
Many animals were used and abused in World War 1. Camels were used to carry the wounded and fatal to the doctors and nurses over far distances. Horses were used to travel with generals and sergeants across war territory. They were also used to carry materials that were needed in the war. Dogs were used to detect poison gas, shooters, and firearms such as bombs. Pigeons were used as spies spying on enemies. -
Christmas Truce of 1914
On December 24th 1914, just a few months after the war began. The Germans approached the British to stop all fighting and celebrate Christmas. The Germans walked on "no man's land" shouting "Merry Christmas" and starting the Christmas Truce. During the day, soldiers from both sides bonded by singing carols, eating and playing soccer, and also exchanged gifts. Sadly towards the end of the day, the soldiers had to go back to the war, and it was like nothing ever happened on that day. -
Poison Gas
On April 22nd 1915 the Germans Introduced poison gas to World War 1. When this started, British, France, and Spain used chemical weapons to chemically engineer a toxic substance. This substance made a chemical warfare. Many people lost their lives and were tortured due to the poison gas. In modern wars poison gas is forbidden to use, due to the casualties it has caused and for the safety of everyone's protection. -
British Ship "Lusitania"
On may 7th 1915 the Germans sank a British ship called "Lusitania". On board at the time were more than a hundred Americans and unfortunately none survived. This caused many problems involving the United States in the war which we were not in. Nearly two years later the United States finally decided to enter the war. When the United States joined we were allies with Britain and the rest of the Allied powers to help defeat Germany. -
Letter to Sister - Edgar D. Andrews
This letter was written on January 1st 1917, by Edgar D. Andrews to his sister Sue on New Years. In this letter he is explaining to his sister how life is a war, what he's been up to, and how he's been doing. Andrews also asks his sister how her holidays were. He tells his sister that he slept through the entire holidays. In the conclusion of his letter he explains to his sister that he plans on spending his first moments back with her, and his mom. Unfortunately, he died before he got home. -
Zimmerman Telegram
On February 25th 1917, the Germans sent a message known as the zimmerman telegram to Mexico. This message said that if Mexico were to join their side they would help get the states that were taken from them like Texas and New Mexico, and give them back all in exchange of their forces on their side. Before this, the US won the land fair and square so it was unfair anyway. The Germans up setted the US and opened the opinion of the US joining the war. In conclusion Mexico turned down the message. -
The United States enters World War 1
On April 6th 1917 the United States joined Britain and other Allies to fight in World War 1. More than two million United States soldiers fought in World War 1. Many United States citizens did not want the United States to join the war. Instead the United States joined due to a series of events including the zimmerman telegram. Throughout the entire United States many voted to remain neutral, but with Germany threatening the US we decided to put an end to the war, which we did and we won WW1. -
War Insurance - Edgar D. Andrews
On January 11th 1918, Edgar D. Andrews filed for insurance at a cost of $10,000. This document ensures that it is payable in case of Andrews' death. If Andrew's were to be injured in war, the government would pay $7.50 per month. This document was signed by the treasurer and director Bureau of war. This document was also stamped in Washington D.C by the director of war. -
Machine Gun Roster - Edgar D. Andrews
On May 20th 1918, Edgar D. Andrews was put on the World War 1 machine gun roster. This document was issued by the welfare association. Andrews was fourteenth on the list. Edgar was considered a corporate on the roster. On the document Andrews emergency contact was his mother and It showed that she lived in Boston, nobody knows where Andrews hometown was but Boston may or may not be it. -
Armistice Day
In 1918, on November 11th it was declared that the war was over. Germany was defeated and the Allied powers had won the war. Once the war ended it was declared Germany's fault which led to the creation of the Treaty of Versailles. November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War 2 the day known as Armistice Day was changed to what we now know as Veterans Day. -
War Risk Letter After Death - Edgar D. Andrews
On January 16th 1919, Sarah Andrews, Edgar D. Andrews mother received a letter. The letter was sent by war risk insurance and commissioner. The letter stated that Andrews war insurance was eliminated due to his passing, a few days prior. Nobody knew when Andrews passed or how, he died giving his services to the United States, He died a hero. The government gave Andrews' parent $90.00 per month to help with family expenses. -
Paris Peace Conference
The Paris Peace Conference was a meeting of the Allied powers. The conference began on January 18th 1919. This meeting created the League of Nations and the Treaty of Versailles. Here at the conference the allied nations all agreed with charging Germany with the war, and made them pay for everything. Germany was the main cause of war which meant they were not invited to the conference. -
Payment After Death - Edgar D. Andrews
On April 19th 1919, Edgar D. Andrews' mother received a letter stating a case after her son had died in World War 1. The letter states that due to her son's death would get a refund if necessary. The letter is the final document sent to the Andrews' after his death. Also if the case is heard, the family might receive a reward if given by the government. It was very sad, and hard for the family, but Edgar died as a hero and helped the United States defeat Germany. -
Treaty of Versailles
On June 28th 1919 The Treaty of Versailles was signed. The treaty ended all states of war that were related to World War 1, including between the Allied powers and Germany. The treaty basically said that Germany was required to have no security, no army, and no guards on the borders. The document also said that Germany was to pay for all damage done in war. The treaty of Versailles set the stage for World War 2.
