World War I

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria

Jun 28, 1914

Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were killed by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip while on a formal visit to Sarajevo, which caused the Great War.

The Great War Begins

Jul 28, 1914

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.Russia mobilizes.The Great War begins.

Germany Enters the War

Aug 3, 1914

Germany declares war on France and invades Belgium.

Britain Enters the War

Aug 4, 1914

Britain protests the violation of Belgian neutrality, guaranteed by a treaty. The United Kingdom declares war on Germany.

Ottomans Enter the War

Oct 29, 1914

Ottomans join the war on the side of Germany. They were dragged by the Germans.

Lusitania sinks

May 7, 1915

The Lusitania was sunk by a german U-boat.

USA Enters the War

Apr 6, 1917

United States declares war on Germany after Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Mar 3, 1918

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk brought about the end of the war between Russia and Germany.

Germany Signs the Armistice

Nov 11, 1918

Germany signs the Armistice at Compiegne, France. Fighting ends on the 11th hour of 11th day of 11th month. People were celebrating the end of war by dancing in the streets

Armistice Day

Nov 11, 1919

United States President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919 to commemorate the end of World War 1.