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Assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie was assasinated on June 28, 1914 by Gravrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist group. The Serbian group hoped to bring down the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assasination, and gave Serbia a list of demands, which they refused. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
After Serbia refused the list of demands that Austria-Hungary gave after the assasination of the Archduke, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia on July 28th, 1914. -
Germany declares war on Russia
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Germany declares war on France
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Germany invades Belgium
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Great Britain delares war on Germany
When Germany invaded Belgium, Great Britain honored a pledge to protect Belgium. Because of this, Great Britain declares war on Germany. -
Battle of Marne
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Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7th, 1915, a torpedo was shot from a German U-boat when the Lusitania was nearing Ireland. 1,119 of the 1,924 passengers aboard died. -
Battle of Verdun
German forces moved quickly in February 1916, claiming Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux after a brutal attack. In mid-July, Germany called off their defenses, and France reclaimed their forts.
Casualties for both sides equaled between 600,000 and 700,000 and were about even. -
Sussex Pledge
The Sussex Pledge was a promise given by the German Government to the United States of America on May 4th 1916. Germany pledged to not sink non-military ships, but are allowed to search merchant ships for any suspicious items. The pledge was made because of the attack on the passenger ship, the Sussex. Although the ship did not sink, fifty people were killed, and President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress on the issue. -
Battle of Somme
Also known as the Somme Offensive, was one of the largest battles in World War I. The Allies won, but with more than 1,000,000 casualties. -
Zimmerman Note Intercepted
The Zimmerman note was a secret telegram sent by Germany on January 16, 1917. It said if the U.S was to enter the war, Mexico would be asked to become Germany's ally in the war. -
Russian Revolution
Czar Nicholas II was overthrown, and a provisional government was set by the more radical Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin. -
United States declares war on Germany
The United States declares war on Germany after they violated their pledge (Susssex). On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went to Congress to request a declaration of war against Germany. On April 6, 1917, the United States Congress declared war on Germany. -
Battle of Argonne Forest
The casualties recorded by the Americans at the Battle of Argonne Forest equaled 117,000, while the French lost 70,000 men and the Germans 100,000 soldiers.
