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Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassination
Ferdinand visits the Bosnians, a secret revolutionary society of peasant students who began plotting to assassinate him. Two Bosnias traveled to the Serbian capital of Belgrade, where they received six handheld bombs and four semi-automatic pistols. Ferdinand and his wife Sophie departed their estate for Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 23rd. They received multiple warnings telling them to cancel their trip, yet Archduke continued. He got halfway through the town where he and his wife were shot dead. -
WWI has officially started
World War I started in 1944 due to some things such as imperialism, nationalism, and militarism. The immediate cause was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. This event set off a chain reaction with Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. Russia mobilized to support Serbia, leading Germany to declare war on Russia. Soon after many of the world powers were brought into the conflict starting a global war. -
Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary
Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary on May 23, 1915. In the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary Italy remained neutral during the war. However, Italy was bribed to join the Allies after the secret Treaty of London promised territorial gains to Italy. Italy’s involvement significantly stretched the resources and attention of the Central Powers. -
The Enlistment of Alfred C. Harrison
April 1917 - Alfred joined the Colors and enlisted in the hospital corps, 22nd Regiment N.YY engineers, and the National Guard. During his enlistment, his old schoolmate and club fellow Hank Mund was the corps sergeant. He was at the armory where he received his second injection of anti-typhoid serum, acquired his uniform, and locker 17. Recruiting lasted till midnight on Monday, 30th. August 30th, 1917 Alfred said goodbye to his mother when his regiment then traveled on a fairy to Washington. -
America has joined the war
America joined WWI in 1917, after initially maintaining a neutral position. One of the driving factors was Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, which led to the sinking of American ships and the loss of American lives. But the main factor was the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram. Which was Germans proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the United States. Ultimately, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war, which was granted on April 6, 1917. -
Camp Wadsworth
September 1917 Alfred travelled to Camp Wadsworth. September 8th, Alfred and his regiment marched towards Spartanburg with sergeants Bartels and Toale. November 20th, 1917 Harrison was involved in the Battle of Cambrai, the first battle where tanks were used extensively. The battle marks a significant shift in war tactics as they could break through enemy lines and change Trench Warfare. Harrison demonstrates mass bravery and leadership leading his men, and navigating the chaos of battle. -
Harrison's lines hold
March 21st, 1918, the German spring offensive began, where Harrisons' unit was pushed back but held the line. The Germans turned to the offensive to break the stalemate and win the war before American forces fully mobilized. Harrison and his comrades endured relentless attacks from the Germans. Even though Harrison and his army were heavily outnumbered, they prevented a crucial breakthrough for the Allied Powers. No matter how hard times got at the line, Harrison remained calm in his duty. -
The Germans Final Offensive
The Germans Final Offensive of the war occurred on March 21, 1918. The goal for the Germans was to break through the Allied lines before the American forces were able to arrive as they were in a stalemate. The Germans made significant gains pushing the Allies back and making the Allies panic. Although the Germans were moving the Allies back and soon American troops arrived creating a successful counter on the Germans. By August 1918, the German momentum was gone which made German forces retreat. -
The War Concludes
November 11th, 1918 - The war ended with the signing of the Armistice Act and Harrison survived the conflicts. Harrison returned home honored for his service by being deeply affected by the trauma. He struggles to adjust to civilian life being haunted by the memories and destruction from the battlefield. Harrison was very determined to help others so he became an advocate for veterans, working to support those who could have shared experiences or had others worse than his. -
Life after War
1919 - Harrison’s post-war life is marked by his efforts to aid fellow veterans in coping with the aftermath of the war. He helps establish support groups and continues to advocate for better medical and psychological care for returning soldiers. He continues to share his story, hoping to raise awareness and understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served. Through his work, Harrison finds a sense of purpose and healing, honoring the memory of his fallen comrades.