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The Triple Alliance
The secret agreement between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy formed in May 1882 was also known as the Triple Alliance. The main goal of the alliance was to provide mutual defense against potential threats, such as France and Russia. It played a crucial part in the outbreak of WW1, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. The alliance triggered a domino effect, leading to the involvement of multiple European powers. -
New Technology II
The machine gun, a weapon that fires a sustained stream of bullets, was widely used during WW1. Invented in the late 19th century by Hiram S. Maxim, machine guns were rapidly adopted by major military powers and quickly became an essential on the battlefield. The widespread use of machine guns led to the development of trench warfare, as armies sought to protect themselves. -
The Triple Entente
An agreement of mutual support between Great Britain, France, and Russia was formed in 1907, known as the Triple Entente. It mainly served as a counterbalance to the Triple Alliance, but also strengthened diplomatic ties, and represented a formidable military force. Moever, the development of this alliance system played a crucial role in the lead-up to World War I. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, lead to the outbreak of the first World War. They visited the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo, and soon, was assassinated by 19 year-old Slavic nationalist Gavrilo Princip. The existent tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia further rose, reflecting the conflicts fueled by nationalism and imperialism in Europe. -
Austria Declares War on Serbia
After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, pressure on the Austrian government to act has spread throughout the country. In response, Austria-Hungary set out a list of demands for Serbia to agree to. When Serbia rejected some of the terms, Austria-Hungary declared war, triggering a chain reaction that ultimately led to the outbreak of WW1. -
First Battle of the Marne
The Battle of the Marne (September 5-10, 1914) was a turning point in WW1. The Allied forces faced the threat of invasion from the Germans that invaded Belgium and northeastern France. Then, counterattacks by the French and British armies halted the German advance and forced them to retreat. -
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Stalemate on the Western Front
The Western Front, stretching across northern France and Belgium, became a trench warfare during WW1. Trenches were dug deep into the ground, offering soldiers some protection from enemy fire. However, the conditions were often horrific, with soldiers under the constant threat of attack. The trench warfare on the Western Front lasted for about 4 years,, leading to a stalemate that lasted until the end of WW1. -
New Technology III
U-boats, or submarines, was used in WW1, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic. The German U-boat campaign that began as early as 1915, was proved to be highly effective, sinking thousands of Allied ships, causing significant economic damage. The unrestricted submarine warfare employed by Germany led to the US entering the war in 1917, as their shipping was increasingly targeted. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
In 1915, a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the British passenger liner Lusitania, killing over 1,000 people, including 128 Americans. The sinking of the Lusitania outraged public opinion in the US, and many Americans called for war with Germany.The Lusitania incident played a significant role in shaping American public opinion and ultimately led to the country's declaration of war against Germany in 1917. -
The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme, fought on the Western Front during WW1, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in history, lasting for 141 days. The offensive, launched by British and French armies aimed to break the German line and bring the war to an end. The first day of the battle alone saw over 57,000 British casualties. Despite the enormous sacrifice, the battle failed, resulting in a stalemate. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication issued from the German Foreign Office in January 1917, that proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico. It stated in return for Mexico's support in WW1, Germany would help them regain its lost territories. This proposal was soon decoded by the British and then shared with the US, significantly contributed to the US' decision to join WW1 in April 1917. -
America joins WW1
Prior to 1917, the US maintained neutrality towards WW1. However, the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 and the Zimmerman Telegram further strained relations between the US and Germany. The US' join boosted significant powers towards the Allied powers, sending troops and supplies for the Western Front. Ultimately, the US' involvement played a crucial role in the Allied victory in 1918. -
New Technology I
Mustard gas was a toxic chemical weapon used during WW1. It was first employed by the Germans in 1917. Mustard gas is a yellowish-brown liquid that produces a strong garlic-like odor. When exposed to mustard gas, it could lead to blindness, lung damage, and even death. The use of mustard gas was widely condemned after the war, and it was classified as a weapon of mass destruction. -
Russia's exit of WW1
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a major factor in Russia's exit from WW1. After the fall of Tsar Nicholas II, the Bolshevik Party seized power in a coup d'état. The Bolsheviks immediately began negotiations with Germany to end Russia's involvement in WW1. In March 1918, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed, which forced Russia to surrender significant territory to Germany and its allies. -
The Hundred Days Offensive
The Hundred Days Offensive was a series of Allied offensives on the Western Front during the end of WW1. The combination of manpower, improved tactics, and technological advancements allowed the Allies to break through the German lines. This offensive led to the collapse of the German army, effectively ending WW1. -
Armistice of WW1
The Armistice of 11/11 also known as the Armistice of Compiègne, brought an end to WW1. The Allied Powers, led by countries France, Britain, and the US under President Woodrow Wilson, forced Germany to agree to a ceasefire. Wilson's vision for lasting peace, outlined in his Fourteen Points, helped shaped the terms of the armistice. He advocated for self-determination for nations, open trade, etc. -
The Treaty Of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles formally ended WW1. This treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, heavy financial payments, and military restrictions. It also established the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and security. However, this treaty contributed to instability in Europe and ultimately the rise of Adolf Hitler (Nazi).