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Spark the War
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo was carried out by a Serbian terrorist that sparked a chain of events to happen and spark WW1. -
War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government for the violent attack. Because Russia is supporting their government, Austria strived to get Germany to join them in their alliances and become a bigger threat. On this day Austria declared war on Serbia starting the First World War. (Link: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/archduke-ferdinand-assassinated) -
Begins
The war officially begins when Germany invades Belgium. The German Army marches into Belgium. Britain declares war on Germany. -
Recruitment
Lord Kitchener calls for 100,000 men to join the British Army. (Link: https://spartacus-educational.com/FWWchronology.htm) -
Chlorine Gas
Fritz Haber, the talented chemist, offered his services to the German Army. He began experimenting with chlorine gas to be used in Trench Warfare. German troops fired shells filled with chlorine gas at the allies that could have cleared most of the lines, but the Germans don't take action of the breach. -
The Americas
A ship called the Lusitania carrying more than 1,500 people was sunk by the Germans. -
United States Involvement
Outraged by the sinking of the ships, Wihelm suspends unrestricted submarine warships. This way the U.S. could not send in any resources. -
Portugal
The Portuguese government ordered its navy to seize German ships in its harbors. Germany declared war in Portugal in response. 100,000 Portuguese fought with the Allies on the Western Front and in Mozambique. The army suffered 21,000 casualties, and over 7,000 dead. -
Tanks
At Delville Wood, the German army is the first to use tanks. They allow them to get through barbed wire easily and let in their other tanks. -
President Wilson
President Wilson outlines his case for war to Congress. Congress declares war against Germany. The US enters WW1 being allies with France and Britain. -
Submarines
Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare in European waterways, Because of these actions it brings the United States back into the war and helps defeats Germany. -
Telegram
Wilson is given a Zimmerman Telegram, a message from German foreign secretary Zimmerman proposing that Mexico side with Germany in care of war between Germany and the United States, from British intelligence. Because of this Germany promises to return to Mexico the "lost provinces" of Texas and much of the rest of the American Southwest. But Mexico declines the offer. -
Selective Service Act
The Selective Service Act is passed by Congress. President Wilson "sees no other option" and signs the bill into law. -
Fourteen Points
President Woodrow Wilson presented his Peace Programme to Congress. This included 14 points. Points 1 to 5 deal with general principles. Points 6 to 13 were concerned with specific territorial problems, including claims made by Russia, France, and Italy. This arose some issues with other leaders and head people. -
Germany
The Germans sign a Peace treaty with the Russian government. The treaty gives Germany land between Ukraine and Poland. This caused much conflict between countries. -
Battle of Cantigny
This battle if one of the first major American offensive of the war. The American troops fight, then after they go on and attack the German enemies. -
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Battle of Belleau Wood
The battle begins. The USMC attacks the German and are rewarded many German casualties. The battle ends the 26th. During this battle, the German have gone the farthest in Paris in the war. Many American death occured. -
Hindenburg
The failure of the Spring Offensive the German Army retreated to the Hindenburg Line. October 1918, the Allied forces were able to gain complete control of these defenses. Because of this, the Third Supreme Command realized that Germany was beaten and handed over power to Max von Baden and the Reichstag. -
End of the War
The war ends after more than 4 years of battle. Germany surrenders to the Allies. A total of 37 million people were killed during this war. (Link: https://www.historyonthenet.com/how-many-people-died-in-ww1) -
Paris
Allied leaders decided to build a post-war world that would protect the countries from such extreme wars. The Versailles Treaty was signed but failed to pass.
