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Period: to
1913-1920
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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event set off a chain reaction of alliances and tensions, unlimited leading to the outbreak of WW1. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which Serbia partially rejected. This led Austria-Hungary to declare war, sparking a conflict that escalated as other nations joined in due to alliances. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium was part of its Schlieffen plan to quickly defeat France. This act violated Belgium's neutrality and drew Britain into the war against Germany. -
First battle of the Marne
This battle marked a turning point early in the war. The Allies successfully halted the German advance toward Paris, resulting in the start of Tench warfare, which would define the Western Front. -
Christmas Truce
during Christmas, soldiers on both sides of the western front agreed to a temporary truce. They exchanged greetings, snags carols, and even played soccer. It was a rare moment of humanity amidst the brutal war. -
Battle of Gallipoli
The Gallipoli campaign, led by the Allies, aimed to open a supply route to Russia and defeat the ottoman empire. however, the campaign failed, resulting in heavy casualties and a major allied defeat. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
A German U-boat sank the British passenger liner Lusitania, killing 1,198 people, including128 Americans. This event increased tensions between Germany and the U.S. and moved the U.S. closer to entering the war. -
Zimmermann Telegram
Germany sent a secret massage to Mexico, proposing an alliance against the U.S. in exchange for helping Mexico regain lost territories. The British intercepted the telegram, and its publication angered Americans. -
Battle of Verdun
This was one of the longest and bloodiest battle of the war. The German army aimed to "bleed France white" but targeting Verdun, a symbolic French city. both sides suffered massive losses, with little territorial gain. -
Battle of the Somme
One of the largest battles of the war, the battle of the Somme resulted in over 1 million casualties. It highlights the futility of trench warfare, as advanced were minimal despite the heavy losses. -
U.S. Enters the war
The United States declared war on Germany after repeated U-boat attacks on American ships and the Zimmermann telegram. The U.S. entry provided critical manpower and resources for the Allies. -
Russian Revolution
The Bolsheviks, led by Vladmir Lenin, overthrew the Russian government. Russia withdrew from the war after signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, allowing Germany to focus on the Western Front. -
Armistice of Compiegne
An armistice was singed in a railway carriage in France, ending the fighting on the western front this day is now commemorated as Armistice or Veterans Day. -
Paris Peace Conference
Leaders from Allied nations gathered to negotiate peace terms after the war. Key figures included Woodrow Wilson, David Lloyd Geroge, Georges Clemenceau, and Vittorio Orlando. -
Treaty of Versailles
The treaty officially ended the war, imposing harsh penalties on Germany, including reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions. It also established the Legue of Nations.