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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 eventually led to the outbreak of the First World War. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Telegram of Austria-Hungary`s declaration of war on Serbia on 28th July 1914 marked the beginning of the First World War – one of the world's most tragic conflicts in the history of human race and initiated the era of unprecedented suffering -
Germany declares war on Russia
When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, Serbia's ally Russia started mobilizing for war. Austria-Hungary's ally Germany demanded Russia stop preparing for war. When Russia refused, Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
German U-boat torpedoes the Lusitania, a British passenger liner. 128 Americans are killed. -
Zimmerman note intercepted
British intelligence intercepts the Zimmermann Telegram, a secret communication from Germany proposing an alliance with Mexico should the United States enter World War I. -
The U.S. officially enters the war
Following passage of the war resolution by the Senate and House, the United States is officially at war with the German Empire. -
Woodrow Wilson's 14 points
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson outlines his Fourteen Points for peace. A statement of principles for peace that was to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War I. -
Russia leaves war
Russia and Germany sign the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, officially removing Russia from World War I. -
The war ends
Having been given 72 hours to agree to Allied demands, Germany signs the armistice. Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch orders that all hostilities on the Western Front cease at 11 a.m. Paris time. -
Germany is punished
Germany is forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles. Germany cedes Alsace-Lorraine to France, recognizes Belgian sovereignty, disarms and agrees to pay war reparations. U.S. Senate refuses to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, thus preventing the country from joining the League of Nations.