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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke of Austria-Hungary Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist. In times of fiery nationalism in Europe, this event sent shock-waves throughout Europe, pointing to an inevitable war. -
War Officially Begins
With support from German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. In response, Serbia's allies, namely Russia, Great Britain, France, and Belgium, entered the war. Shortly after, the Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers of Germany and Austria-Hungary. It was now a global war. -
The British ship "Lusitania" sunk by German U-Boat off the coast of Ireland
With 128 U.S. citizens aboard this ship carrying ammunition, the destruction became a topic for debate in the U.S., and whether they should enter the global war. -
The Battle of Verdun
This 10 month battle in France began on this day, being one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with over 300,000 deaths, and the French suffering greater casualties than the opposing Germans, leaving much of France in ruins. -
Zimmermann Telegram Intercepted
On this date, the British intercepted this telegram and relayed it to the U.S., revealing Germany's plans to lure Mexico into the war by promising them lands ceded to the U.S. in previous years. -
Germany Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Germany had stopped attacking Allied merchant ships since September 1915, but decided to resume total U-Boat attacks based on Kaiser Wilhelm II's wishes. -
The Bolshevik Revolution Begins
The Rise of Lenin and the Communists begins... (Use following link to read more about the Russian Revolution: https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/gi-roundtable-series/pamphlets/em-46-our-russian-ally-(1945)/what-was-the-bolshevik-revolution) -
U.S. Declares War on Germany
Watch the following video regarding the United States entering the Great War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT8YfWzd_zQ&t=352s -
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Sends the Soviet Union Home
The Soviet Union (formerly Russia) exits the war with this treaty negotiated with the Central Powers, leading them into an uninterrupted era of Communist policy. -
The Armistice Ends the War
Based on President Wilson's Fourteen Points, this armistice ended the war. Germany, who militarily could no longer keep up, was punished relentless in the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, setting the scene for the rise of fascism and World War II...
