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Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated
The Archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip (a nationalist from Serbia). -
Austria-Hungary Declares War On Serbia
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia after their demands for justice weren't meant. -
Germany Declares War on Russia
Germany took this opportunity to declare war on Russia to become the biggest European super power. -
France Becomes Involved
France joins the war as part of Germany's plan known as the "Schlieffen Plan." This plan was prepared for the war and used the declaration of war against France as a prominent objective. -
Great Britain Has Had Enough
After Germany's invasion of Belgium, Great Britain declares war against Germany. All of Europe was at war after this declaration of war from the British. -
The First Battle of Marne
A seven day long battle that stopped the advancement of the Germans into Russia that was fought by the British and the French. -
The Ottoman Empire Chooses a Side
With the Ottoman Empire declaring war on the Allied Powers it became known that they had joined the Central Powers alongside Germany, Austria-Hungary, and others. -
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
Many believed it to be a Christmas miracle when the story of an unofficial truce between the two sides during the holiday season went public. However, the truce was more than just laying down weapons. Soldiers from opposing forces shared the company of and even exchanged gifts with their "enemies." -
Germany Sinks the Lusitania
One of two major events that pushed the United States to join World War I was the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. The ship was sunk by a German submarine that was ordered to destroy all ships trying to reach Europe, and the killing of innocent Americans upset the United States. -
Bulgaria Against Serbia
Another European country joined the Great War when Bulgaria became another country to declare war against Serbia (and their allies in turn). -
The Battle of Verdun
There was no battle larger or longer than the Battle of Verdun during the first World War. It lasted from February 21st, 1916, to December 18th, 1916. This is one of the battles that has an estimated casualty list as high as one million. Besides that, it is notable as the first French victory in World War I. -
Naval Warfare During WWI
The largest Naval battle of the Great War was the Battle of Jutland between the British and the Germans. It was reported and celebrated as a major "underdog" German victory until after World War II. -
A Bloody Battle
One of the bloodiest battles of the war was the Battle of Somme, which resulted in the injuries and death of over one million soldiers. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
Just after the new year began, the British intercepted a telegram that would become known as the "Zimmerman Telegram." This telegram was intended to reach Mexico and convince them to keep the United States occupied by starting a war in North America. This was the second major event that forced the United States into the war. -
United States Enters WWI
United States entered World War I with a heavy heart after the sinking of the RMS Lusitania and the shocking revelation caused by the Zimmerman Telegram. The US declared war on Germany and joined the Allied Powers. -
Germany's Spring Offensive
The Spring Offensive was a series of attacks on the Western front of Europe during World War I. The attacks were carried out quickly with hopes of advancing as far as possible before US reinforcements could arrive. -
The Second Battle of Marne
The almost one month long battle ended on August 6th as the Central powers suffered a crucial defeat to the Allied Powers. -
The Fighting Is Over
The fighting of World War I was over at 11 am as Germany agreed an armistice (basically a truce used to end the war). -
Russia Exits the Great War
One major European country lost the will to fight much sooner than the rest of the combatants in WWI. After facing many internal issues within the country, Russia finally pulled support for the war after making peace with the forces of the Central Powers. -
World War I Ends
Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles and signaled the official end to World War I.
