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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
Killed by Serbian Rebels. -
War Officially Starts
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia -
Alliances First Established
August 1 Germany declares war on Russia
August 3 Germany declares war on France
August 4 Britain declares war on Germany -
First Battle of the Marne,
First Battle of the Marne, halting the initial German advance into France and marking the start of trench warfare. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The sinking of the Lusitania was a turning point in World War I that pushed U.S. public opinion against Germany. The incident also contributed to the United States' entry into the war. -
United States Enters the War
United States enters the war, declaring war on Germany. -
Battle of the Somme
Battle of the Somme, a major British offensive with heavy casualties. -
Battle of Verdun Ends
Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Britain intercepts a telegram sent from Germany to Mexico, encouraging Mexico to attack the United States -
Russia out of the War
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3 1918, but signed an armistice with the Central Powers on December 15, 1917. Russia is out of the war, with problems of revolution in their own country, and after suffering losses to Germany. -
Kaiserschlacht
Germanys last ditch offesnive. It was a last attempt to turn the tide of the war and was initially very successful. -
Battle of Belleau Wood Ends
Battle of Belleau Wood ends, marking a major Allied victory won by the U.S. and stopping the last ditch offensive of Germany. -
War is Over
Armistice is signed, ending World War I. -
Treaty of Versailles
Signed in 1919 to end World War I and establish terms of peace for Germany. The treaty was harsh and punitive, and was unpopular in Germany as it placed guilt on them and would lead to crippling debt and eventually to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party.