-
Ferdinand Assassination
Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo and sparks the war. He was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip who was a member of the Black Hand Secret Society. This was a group of 6 assassins. The purpose was to cause a breakoff from Austria-Hungary's South Slav. -
World War I Begins
Germany begins to invade Belgium and kicks off the start of the war. This started as a military campaign so the Germans could have free passage to pass through Belgium to get to France. This gave them the best angle and chance at Victory. -
Battle of Mons
British forces arrive in France to help defend from German attack. German Army advances from the North and West sides of Mons. To slow down the German advance, Bridges were blown up over the canal.The Germans advanced and caused a retreat of the France and British Troops. -
Battle of Marne
German forces begin an attack on the French. The battle lasted 4 days. The result was a Allied Victory -
Germans Use Chemicals
The first time chemicals are fired through shells at France. The shells were filled with chlorine and almost caused the collapse of the French Lines. Using chemicals in war lead to the creation of the first gas mask. -
Lusitania Sunk by Germany
"Unrestricted Submarine Warfare". Lusitania sunk by German U-boat and kills 1,000 and 130 Americans. Germans believed it was transporting Weapons to the Allies. -
Battle of Verdun
Germany begins an attack on France ending with 550,000 French and 450,000 German casualties. This was the longest and largest battle on the Western front during WWI. The battle ended with a Victory for the French. -
The Zimmerman Telegraph
American intercepts a secret message from Germany to Mexico that proposes an Alliance against the US. Mexico declares war on America and is Victorious and causing a outrage in America. The attack drags America into the War. -
America Enters the War
Congress Declares war on Germany and sides with Britain and France. Soon after the first American troops landed in France to begin training. The entrance of the US into the war was a huge turning point for the Allied powers. -
Selective Service Act is Passed
Congress passes the Selective Service Act allowing the draft of people into the US Military to fight in the War. President Wilson wished to only use Volunteer soldiers but realized the more Army men the US sent the better chance they had at Victory. This took time through congress but eventually was changed as a compromise. -
Fourteen Points
President Woodrow Wilson presents to Congress his idea of the fourteen points needed for peace. These principles stated the needs for peace negotiations to end the war. His speech was accepted by Europeans but France and Italy were skeptical about it. -
Ending of WWI
Germany signs the Armistice at Compiegne, leading to the end of World War I. Germany surrenders because they realized they couldn't win with the amount of troops coming from the US to the Allies. Germany's people were also going on strikes because of the decrease in population as the war continued thus leading to their surrender.
