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Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated
The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was what started the war. Austria was furious with Serbia (who was already an issue for Austria) and wanted them to pay. Serbia refused to comply, so Austria prepares to declare war. -
Kaiser pledges German support to Austria
Austria was reluctant to declare a war without support. However, when Germany stated that they would support them, Austria decided to take action. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Austria’s declaration of war stemmed from many things: Serbia was always causing domestic issues, a few Serbs participated in the murder of the Archduke, and Serbia refused to comply with all of Austria’s impossible terms. By declaring war, Austria started World War I because soon, many other major countries would get involved to help their allies. -
Germany invades Belgium
Germany’s invasion of Belgium was the main event that brought Great Britain and France into the war. By attacking Belgium, Germany was indirectly attacking Britain and France. Germany underestimated the idea that Britain would get involved and this led to a difficult battle for Germany. Germany and Austria were not as experienced or as big (number wise) as Britain and France. -
Great Britain puts blockade on Germany
Britain placed a blockade of goods on Germany within the North Sea. This led to economic issues and military issues for Germany because they were not able to retrieve goods through the North Sea which was a very successful European trading center. The blockade allowed Britain to increase their retrieved goods while hindering Germany from receiving theirs. -
First air raid on Great Britain
Germany’s use of planes to attack Great Britain was the first time that the “targeting civilians” tactic was used. This set the tone for how the war would be fought. This also led to new developments of warfare. -
Britain, France, and Russia share finances
This agreement was important for both sides. By agreeing to share their finances, Great Britain, France, and Russia are able to combine their forces and become a stronger team. They have added up all their money which allows them to provide more for their soldiers (weapons, clothes, medicine, etc.). -
Germans use chlorine gas
Germany’s use of chlorine gas was the first time that a poisonous gas was used as a weapon. This occurred during the Battle of Ypres. The use of poisonous gas introduced a new sort of weapon to WWI. It was able to cover more ground and use less soldiers. -
Lusitania sunk by German U-Sub
When the German submarine sunk the British boat Lusitania, it made many Americans very angry. On the Lusitania were many US civilians and they were killed in a war that their country was not a part of. This was one factor that led to the US joining the war in 1917. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun was the most famous and longest battle of WWI. Verdun was a failed German attempt to take control of French territory. This battle was the first major fail by Germany that also led to a very successful French counter. This battle led to France regaining land from Germany. -
Battle of Jutland
This battle was the most significant naval battle fought throughout the war. It was the last of the major naval battles that suffered many losses. The British Royal Navy held off Germany in the North Sea at a great cost. The Battle of Jutland proved that there was no match for the Royal Navy and that the North Sea was “non-negotiable”. -
Battle of Somme/Flers-Courcelette
The Battle of Flers-Courcelette was a section of the Battle of the Somme. Within this battle, tanks were used for the first time. The first country to use tanks was Great Britain. During this battle, they used new weapons that would reshape the weapons of warfare for the future. This was a major rebuttal by Great Britain to Germany’s air raids and poison gas. All three would set the tone for a new kind of warfare. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Great Britain leaked to the US that Germany sent a letter to Mexico promising them Texas if they supported them in the war (Mexico of course declined). When the US heard, they became even more furious with Germany. This, along with a few other factors, led to the US declaring war on Germany. -
US Declares war on Germany
The US declaring war on Germany was a turning point in the war. Now, the Western Hemisphere would gradually start joining the war in favor of Great Britain, France, and Russia. With US assistance, Britain and France are able to slowly regain more land and push Germany back. It also boosted morale for soldiers and brought fresh legs on to the battlefields. -
Selective Service Act
o This act led to the draft used by the US. Many Americans found it unnecessary and felt that they shouldn’t even be involved in the war. This act was thought to be the only solution for the US fighting overseas; however, it did not boost morale on the home front because some Americans did not support the war and felt that the US should stay out of it (not everyone felt this way). -
Bolshevik Revolution
During 1917 and 1918, many people of Russia were unhappy with Czar Nicholas and started rioting. These extreme domestic concerns, along with the assassination of the Romanov family, caused too many issues for Russia to handle. Russia needed to pull out of the war to take care of domestic concerns. This led to peace talks between Russia and the Central Powers. -
President Wilson's Fourteen Points
Wilson’s Fourteen Points were a peaceful solution to the war. His fourteen points laid the foundation for the Treaty of Versailles (which would end the war). However, Great Britain and France would later make adjustments for punishment for Germany in the treaty. It also started peace talks for many countries during the war. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (Russia and the Central Powers)
Russia’s exit from WWI led to less battles on the eastern front and less allied support on the eastern front as well. -
Germany signs Armistice
At 11 in the morning, Germany was the last one to sign the armistice which “ended” fighting between countries. However, the official treaty (Treaty of Versailles) wouldn’t officially end the war until June of 1919. -
Treaty of Versailles
This treaty “ended the war” officially. Germany was terribly affected by the treaty, and they felt that they were treated unfairly. The resentment towards Great Britain and France that Germany felt (because they were being bullied by the two countries) was one of the many causes of WWII.
