World War I Timeline

The Triple Alliance is Formed

Dec 13, 1882

1. The Triple Alliance was the military alliance between Germany, Austria–Hungary, and Italy2. The alliances provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power.

The Triple Entente is Formed

Dec 13, 1907

1. Consisted of France, Britain, and Russia2. The alliances provided a measure of international security because nations were reluctant to disturb the balance of power.

Austria-Hungary Takes Control of Bosnia

Oct 6, 1908

1. the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary announces its annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina2. Though weakened Russia was forced to submit, to its humiliation, its foreign office still viewed Austria-Hungary’s actions as overly aggressive and threatening.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand is Assassinated in Sarajevo

Jun 28, 1914

1. A man named Gavrilo Princip came out of a crowd and shot Ferdinand. Princip was a member of the Black Hand, an organization promoting Serbian national-ism.2. This was one of the starts to the first batles of WWI

Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

1. This was the official recorded start of WWI2. Was started because Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were killed by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo

Germany Invades Belgium

Aug 4, 1914

1. The term "Rape of Belgium" initially had a figurative meaning, referring to the violation of Belgian neutrality, but embellished reports of German atrocities soon gave it a literal significance.2. The Germans attacked civilians, destroying villages, cathedrals, libraries, and even hospitals.

A German U-Boat Sinks the Lusitania

May 5, 1915

1. The sinking of the Lusitania enraged Americans and hastened the United States' entrance into World War I.2. Despite Germany’s explanation, Americans became outraged with Germany because of the loss of life.

The First Battle of the Somme Begins

Jul 1, 1916

1. The battle consisted of an offensive by the British and French armies against the German Army.2. The opening day of the battle on 1 July 1916 saw the British Army suffer the worst one-day combat losses in its history, with nearly 60,000 casualties.

The Zimmerman Note is Discovered

Jan 16, 1917

1. German Foreign Minister Zimmermann sent the German Minister in Mexico an enciphered message with a proposal to be presented to the Mexican government. 2. Zimmermann proposed a German-Mexican alliance, with the payoff being Mexico's recovery of the territory lost in the Mexican-American War. British intelligence intercepted and deciphered the message, and turned it over to the Americans on 24 February.

The United States Declares War on Germany

Apr 2, 1917

1. Started by the interception of the Zimmerman telegraph by Britain.2. Wilson decideed to send Americand in as allies of the British in order to stop the increasing German power