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Archduke Assassination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot in Sarajevo, Bosnia by a Serbian nationalist. Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government. This set off the powder keg in Europe. -
Austria-Hungary Declares War
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. This brought Russia into the war because they sided with Serbia. This also resulted in Germany joining the war and siding with Austria-Hungary. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Italy and Britain, at first remained neutral. They had to decide whether or not to support their ally France. After the invasion of Belgium, Britain was enraged and declared war on Germany. This officially started World War I. -
Battle of Tannenberg
This battle was the first major battle on the eastern front. It was one of the battles in WWI that was actually decisive. Germany won the battle against Russia on August 30th. -
Battle of Marne
The Battle of Marne was the first significant win for the Allies. It saved Paris from being taken over by Germany. Germans retreated to the Aisne River. -
2nd Battle of Ypers
Germany and the Allies both tried securing this town. It was the first battle during the war the chlorine gas was used as a weapon by the Germans. After the battle the Allies still held control of the town. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
German U-boats sank the Lusitania. This ship sank in 18 minutes. 128 Americans died, which enraged the U.S. -
Italy Declares War
Italy was a first neutral in the war. Eventually, they decided to join the fighting and declared war on Germany and Austria. They joined the Allies. This is important because another country took part in WWI. -
Battle of Warsaw
The Germans capture Warsaw. It hand been in the hands of Russia for 100 years. This caused the collapse of the front lines for Russia. -
Germany Limits Submarines
This was because of all the anger after the Lusitania was sank. Germany was trying to keep the U.S. out of the war. Germany is less successful at preventing the U.S. from shipping supplies to France and Britain because of this. -
Allies Evacuate Gallipoli
The Allies had been fighting for months in Gallipoli. The Allies were forced to retreat. They were attempting to control the sea route from Europe to Russia. The Allies had a huge number of casualties and made very little advancement. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle during WWI. The French were impacted greatly at the battle by the Germans. The French suffered many casualties. It is the main reason the British started the Battle of Somme. -
Battle of Somme
Battle of Somme The Battle of Somme was one of the largest battles. There were more than one million casualties during this battle. Britain and France fought Germany. -
Germany Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfar
German submarines were unrestricted in European waters. This angered the United States and led to them joining the war. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Britain give Wilson a telegram from Germany meant for Mexico. It suggested that Mexico side with Germany if the U.S. declared war. When Germany won the war, the provinces of Texas and the American southwest would be returned to Mexico. Mexico declines. The American public supports entering the war. -
The United States Declares War
The U.S. declares war on Germany. This is a major turning point. The aid of the U.S. brings hope and helps turn the war around for the Allies. -
Battle of Caporetto
The German broke the Italian front. It contributed to the formation of the Allied Supreme War Council. There were 300,000 casualties. This battle was a major victory for the Central Powers. -
2nd Battle of the Marne
The Allies defeated the Central Powers at this battle. It is known as a turning point in the war. The Allies continued on with their success after this battle. -
Wilhelm Abdicates
Wilhelm abdicates, which basically garentees there is no hope in Germany winning the war. -
End of War
The Central Powers realize that the war is over and sign the Armistice ending the war.
