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Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the heir to the throne, and his wife Sophie, are assassinated in Sarajevo. His murderer, Gavrilo Princip was a Serbian nationalist who opposed Austro-Hungarian rule. -
Austria-Hungary Issues Ultimatum to Serbia
Austria-Hungary issues an ultimatum to Serbia threatening severe repercussions if all articles are not met. Serbia accepts all terms except one stating that Austria-Hungary will have control of Serbian internal inquiry on the grounds that it violates the Serbian constitution. Meanwhile, Serbia appeals to Russia for military assistance. -
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia after Serbia fails to address every clause of the ultimatum issued. Serbia is under Austro-Hungarian control, and the Empire desired to remain intact. -
Germany Declares War on Russia
Germany declares war on Russia for mobilizing her forces in the defense of Serbia. France and Germany begin to mobilize. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Germany invades Belgium according to the Schlieffen plan. This invasion is used as an efficient means to access France, upon whom Germany also declares war on this day. -
Britain Declares War
Britain declares war on Germany for violating the neutrality of Belgium. The Schlieffen Plan was to attack France through Belgium, Britain’s ally whom they swore to protect. -
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Gallipoli Campaign
ANZAC forces launched an amphibious attack against the Ottoman empire in an attempt to secure the Dardanelles for Russian use. The significant losses suffered by ANZAC forces legitimized national pride and involvement in the war -
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Second Battle of Ypres
The Second Battle of Ypres signifies the first time a former colony (Canada) defeated a European power. It also marks the first use of poison gas by the Germans in the war, something that had been generally thought of as too barbaric to be fair. -
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Battle of Verdun
The longest and largest battle of the war occurred in France between French and German forces as each struggled for control in and around the Verdun citadel. -
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Battle of Jutland
The Battle of Jutland was one of two major naval battles of the war. Located off the northern coast of Denmark, Jutland was the largest naval encounter in the war. The British Navy lost 14 ships and the Germans 11, but both sides claimed victory. -
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Battle of the Somme
The largest battle of the Western front was also one of the deadliest in human history, with over 1 million men killed or wounded. The conflict between the British and German Empires did not achieve goals from either side, as the Germans were forced to retreat but the Allies did not capture the city of Peronne. -
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Battle of Vimy Ridge
This battle was a part of the larger Battle of Arras campaign and was designed to take Vimy Ridge in order to allow a safe passage for further allied troops. All divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force acted together for the first time against four German divisions, leading to a Canadian victory that would shape Canada's national pride. -
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Battle of Arras
This battle in France was extremely costly and achieved little to no victory. Allied forces featuring the Canadian Expeditionary Force engaged in trench warfare on the Western front in order to take Arras. Although many resources were spent on the campaign, no ground was gained. Arras was an example of the stalemate of the Western front. -
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Battle of Passchendaele
The battle for control of the areas south of Ypres was one of the deadliest campaigns in the war. The allies pulled off a victory thanks to the Canadian seizure of the city in November. Both sides lost an estimated 400,00+ men. -
Battle of Cantigny
The first American battle of the war, this victory assured the allies that Americans could play a role in the defense of Paris. Their victory helped to push back the German lines even more. -
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Battle of Belleau Wood
An allied victory that was decided by the actions of the United States Marine corps. The taking of the woods was crucial to the defense of Paris, as the Germans had been building up strength while hidden there. -
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Second Battle of the Marne
Second Battle of the Marne: The final German offensive on the Western front which ultimately failed due to an inability of German troops to break through the lines, allowing French commander Ferdinand Foch to launch a counteroffensive after 11 days. American troops played a role in what became one of the final turning points of the war. -
Battle of Chateau-Thierry
Led by General John J. Pershing, this was one of the first American offensives in the war. A part of the larger Second Battle of the Marne, this expedition resulted in an Allied victory. -
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Battle of Saint-Mihiel
This major battle involved American and other allied forces under command of General John J. Pershing against German troops. American forces caught the Germans as they were retreating, having an advantage as the German artillery was not ready for use. Although the ultimate allied goal was not realized, the battle still resulted in their victory. -
Armistice Day
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the fighting officially ended. The document was signed in one of the cars of Ferdinand Foch´s private train and detailed the French demands for German defeat.