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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip. The assassination was motivated by the tensions over Austria Hungary's control of Bosnia and Serbian desires for independence. This event triggered a series of alliances and conflicts, leading to the outbreak of WWI. -
Austria declares war on Serbia
Austria declared war on Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The declaration came after Serbia rejected parts of Austria Hungary's ultimatum, which demanded harsh measures against Serbian nationalism. This act set off a chain reaction of alliances, leading to the start of WWI -
Germany Declares War on Russia
Germany delcared war on Russia on August 1st of 1914. After Russia began mobilizing its troops to support Serbia against Austria. Germany saw this as a threat to its ally and issued an ultimatum demanding Russia halt its mobilization, which was ignored. This Decleration escalated the conflict, further drawing Europe Into WWI -
First Battle of Marne
The frist battle of Marne took place in September 1914, when allied forces stopped the German advance near the Marne river, just outside Paris. This battle ended Germanys Schlieffen plan, forcing them into a prolonged war on two fronts. The allied victory marked the beginning of trench warfare, which would dominate WWI. -
Sinking of the Lusitania by German U-Boat
The Lusitania (British passenger ship) was sunk by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, off the coast of Ireland. The attack killed nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans, sparking outrage and escalating tensions between Germany and neutral nations like the United States. This event contributed to growing anti- German sentiment and was a key factor in the U.S. eventually joining WWI. -
Second Battle of Ypres (Chemical Warfare)
Fough in April-May 1915, it was notable for being the first major use of poising gas by Germany on the Western Front. The gas attack caused devastating casualties among allied forces, but they managed to hold their defensive positions. This battle marked a brutal escalation in the use of Chemical warfare during WWI. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun, fought from February to December of 1916, was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of WWI. Germany launched the attack "bleed France dry" by targeting the symbolic city of Verdun, but French forces, led by general Phillipe Petain, fiercely resisted. Despite massive casualties on both sides, the battle ended in a stalemate, with no significant territorial gains. -
The Battle of Somme.
The Battle of the Somme, fought from July to November 1916, was one of the largest battles of World War I, primarily between British and German forces. It began with a massive artillery bombardment, followed by infantry assaults that resulted in enormous casualties on both sides, with little territorial gain. The battle became infamous for its horrific loss of life, with over a million men wounded or killed, symbolizing the brutal nature of trench warfare. -
United States enters WWI
The United States entered World War I in April 1917, after years of remaining neutral. This decision was prompted by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, particularly the sinking of the British passenger ship Lusitania, and the discovery of the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany sought an alliance with Mexico against the U.S. With President Woodrow Wilson’s call to "make the world safe for democracy," the U.S. declared war on Germany, tipping the balance in favor of the Allies. -
Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the Russian throne on March 15, 1917, following widespread unrest and protests during the February Revolution. Facing mounting pressure from both military defeats in World War I and growing discontent among the Russian people, he was forced to step down to prevent further chaos. His abdication marked the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule and led to the establishment of a provisional government. -
Signing of the Armstice, Ending the WW
The signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, officially ended the fighting in World War I, as the Allies and Germany agreed to cease hostilities. The agreement was signed in a railway carriage in Compiègne, France, and marked Germany’s defeat, forcing them to surrender and accept harsh terms. While the armistice ended the war, the formal peace treaty—the Treaty of Versailles—would come later, reshaping Europe and setting the stage for future conflicts. -
Treaty of Versailles is Signed
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, officially ending World War I and establishing the terms of peace between the Allies and Germany. The treaty imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, including the dismantling of its military and the cession of key territories. Though intended to secure lasting peace, the treaty's punitive measures fueled resentment in Germany and contributed to the political instability that led to World War II. -
League of Nations is Established
The League of Nations was established in 1920 as part of the Treaty of Versailles, aiming to promote peace and prevent future conflicts after World War I. Its main goals were to encourage disarmament, settle international disputes through diplomacy, and protect collective security, but it lacked enforcement power and the participation of key nations like the United States. -
Washington Naval Conference begins
The Washington Naval Conference began in November 1921, with the goal of limiting naval armaments and preventing an arms race among major world powers. Held in Washington, D.C., it involved representatives from nine countries, including the United States, Britain, Japan, and France, who negotiated agreements to reduce the size of their navies and limit the construction of warships. The conference resulted in significant treaties, such as the Five-Power Treaty. -
Formation of the Soviet Union
The Soviet Union was officially formed on December 30, 1922, following the Bolshevik victory in the Russian Civil War. The union brought together Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasia under a single communist government led by the Bolsheviks. This new socialist state marked the beginning of a superpower that would influence global politics throughout the 20th century. -
Hyperinflation crisis in Germany
Germany faced a severe hyperinflation crisis in 1923, triggered by the economic strain from World War I and the burden of reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. The government printed excessive amounts of currency to pay off its debts, causing the value of the mark to plummet and prices to skyrocket. This led to widespread poverty and social unrest, with people using wheelbarrows of money for basic goods and savings becoming worthless. -
Dawes Plan to help Stabalize the German Economy
The Dawes Plan, introduced in 1924, aimed to stabilize the German economy by restructuring its reparations payments following World War I. It provided Germany with loans from the United States to help rebuild its economy, while also spreading out the reparations payments to make them more manageable. The plan helped stabilize the German currency and economy for a time, but was ultimately undermined by the Great Depression. -
Locarno Treaties are Signed
The Locarno Treaties were signed on October 16, 1925, in Locarno, Switzerland. These agreements aimed to secure post-World War I peace by guaranteeing borders between Germany, France, Belgium, and other nations. The treaties also paved the way for Germany's entry into the League of Nations and focused on reducing tensions in Europe. -
Kellog Braid Pact is signed
The Kellogg-Briand Pact was signed on August 27, 1928, by 15 nations, including the U.S. and France. Its primary goal was to renounce war as a means of resolving conflicts and promote peaceful diplomacy. Although it lacked enforcement mechanisms, the pact was a significant step toward international efforts to prevent war. -
Wall Street Crash (Great Depression)
The Wall Street Crash occurred on October 29, 1929, marking the start of the Great Depression. Stock market values plummeted, triggering widespread economic collapse, massive unemployment, and bank failures. This global crisis lasted throughout the 1930s, profoundly affecting economies and societies worldwide.