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Stalemate on the Western Front
During World War I there was a stalemate on the Western front that barely changed until the end of the war. German troops and Allied troops had very similar weaponry, so it was an even playing field. Because of this, the stalemate rarely moved in one sides favor or another. -
Technology in WWI
There were many new types of weapons technology used during World War I. It was the first time tanks were used. They were brought in by the British. Many broke down but about 1/3 were successful in breaking through lines. It was also the first time mustard gas was used. It cause severe blisters on the victim. Machine guns were first used and dominated weaponry in WWI. All fronts had machine guns. These weapons, and more, further bloodied the trench warfare of WWI. -
Development of Alliances
The Triple Alliance & the Triple Entente were the 2 opposing forces in WWI. The development of these alliances is important because it meant the countries involved would come to each others aid during times of war with military support. The Triple Alliance (1882-1915) consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Italy. Their plan was a defensive one against a country that might affect the alliance. The Triple Entente (1907-1914), a reaction to the Alliance, consisted of the UK, France, and Russia. -
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the event that sparked WWI. He was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and he and his wife were killed on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian.Austria blamed the Serbian Government, which had Russia as an ally. Austria declared war once Germany reassured them they would support Austria in the event of conflict with Russia. -
Austria Declares War on Serbia
The assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir, Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked WWI. Austria blamed Serbian government, yet hesitated to declare war because Russia supported Serbia. Austria did declare war one month later on July 28, 1914 after being reassured by Germany that they would support Austria against Russia. The war quickly escalated from there. -
The First Battle of the Marne
The First Battle of the Marne was between Anglo-French and German troops north-east of Paris. German commander Heinrich von Kluck moved his troops in a way that opened up an opportunity for Anglo-French to push the Germans back. The Anglo-French troops hit Kluck's men while they were moving and were not expecting it, resulting in an Anglo-French victory. Germany ran out of plans & artillery. This win was significant because it was the first time radios & automotive vehicles were used in war. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
At the beginning of World War I, the majority of Americans were content with Woodrow Wilson claiming neutrality for the US. On May 7, 1915 that changed when a German U-boat torpedoed the Lusitania heading from New York to Liverpool, England. There were 1900 people on board, 120+ being American. The sinking of the Lusitania turned public opinion of Germany negative, not only in the US, but all over the world. This event put America on the road to joining World War I. -
Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution began in 1917 when Czar Nicholas II was in power. Russia had been ruled by the Romanov family for centuries. Czar Nicholas left Russia to fight in WWI, leaving his unpopular wife Czarina Alexandra to rule. In early 1917, the people began protesting maltreatment. The Czar abdicated the throne in March. In November, a civil war involving the Bolsheviks & a group of allies from various backgrounds. The Bolsheviks won and established the Soviet Union. -
America Joins the War
Americans had been content with the US staying neutral during WWI. However, after multiple ships sunk by Germany with American passengers and the Zimmerman note, President Wilson, as well as Congress and the majority of America was furious with Germany. The US broke relations with Germany, Congress voted 82 to 6 to go to war after Wilson's request, and the US joined World War I against Germany. Americas entrance to the war was a major turning point and helped the allies along to victory. -
Selective Service Act
Six weeks after the United States entered the war, Congress passed the Selective Service Act. The US had given the allies many material supplies, but the Allies specifically needed new troops. President Wilson signed a law that required all men ages 21 to 30 to enlist in military service. This gave the allies 10 million troops within a few months. By the end of the war America had enlisted 24 million troops. -
Battle of Cantigny
When America entered the war Germany had captured Cantigny, a village in France. It might not have been the United States most significant victory, but it was their first victory in World War I. On May 28 and with the aid of the French in the air, the United States army took Cantigny from the germans and imprisoned around 100 german soldiers by the end of the day. They faced heavy German attacks but resisted and kept Cantigny. -
Battle of St. Mihiel
The Battle of St. Mihiel was the first major offensive victory for the American Expeditionary Forces. General John J. Pershing and Allied Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch wanted the AEFs headquarters to be at St. Mihiel, which was occupied by Germany at the time. Pershing led the attack on a day with awful weather and young troops. Even though Germany decided to pull their troops from St. Mihiel, the victory boosted morale in the US troops. -
Armistice
World War I ended in the 11th hour on November 11, 1918. Germany had been beaten down and was on the verge of an invasion. World War I or the Great War ended with the signature of an Armistice, 9 million soldiers dead, 21 million wounded, and at least 5 million civilian deaths. The Allies came out with the victory.
