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Period: to
WW1
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Archduke Francis Ferdinand is assassinated
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria Hungary is killed in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist. This assassination sparks political tensions, ultimately triggering World War I. Austria Hungary blames Serbia, leading to a series of alliances mobilizing for war. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, beginning World War I
The ultimatum that Austria Hungary issued after the assassination was complied with partially by Serbia. Unsatisfied, Austria Hungary declares war. The formal commencement date that brings in committed nations into conflict on both sides is provided. -
Germany begins naval blockade of Great Britain
Germany proclaimed a submarine blockade around Britain and claimed that any ship around those waters was liable to attack. This was the last straw and really hurt the Allies in regard to supplies. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare- civilian and neutral collisions. -
German submarine sinks Lusitania
The German U boat sinks the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania, killing over 1,000 people, including Americans. This turns up the heat on anti German sentiment and pressure on the U.S. to join the war. The ship, Germany maintains, carries war supplies, but public outrage holds court. -
Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary
After months of neutrality, Italy declares war on Austria Hungary, now joining the Allied Powers. The determining factor is promises of gain in territory. Fighting soon erupts along the mountainous Italian Front. -
Germany begins the attack on Verdun
Germany launches a massive offensive against French forces at Verdun, aiming to "bleed France white." The battle becomes one of the longest and deadliest of the war. Verdun symbolizes French resistance, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. -
Allied offensive begins the Battle of the Somme
The Allies launch a massive assault along the Somme River to relieve the pressure on Verdun. There was heavy causality but little ground taken. It has introduced new technologies in tanks and has become synonymous with the horrors of the trench. -
Battle of Verdun ends with 550,000 French and 450,000 German casualties
After ten months, the Battle of Verdun would finally be over, claiming more than 700,000 casualties. France managed to defend the city, but at a great cost. The battle epitomized the stalemate and brutality of World War I. -
Germany returns to unrestricted submarine warfare halted after the sinking of the Lusitania
Germany resumes its policy of attacking all ships in war zones, hoping to starve Britain into defeat. This decision further strains relations with neutral countries, especially the U.S., pushing America closer to war. -
The United States declares war on Germany
After Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, the U.S. joins the Allies. President Wilson calls the conflict a fight to "make the world safe for democracy," boosting Allied morale and war efforts. -
American combat forces arrive in France
The American Expeditionary Forces begin arriving in France, raising morale among war weary Allies. Fresh U.S. troops help change the course of the war as Germany faces growing unrest at home. -
Germany signs the Armistice at Compiègne, ending World War I
An armistice signed by Germany and the Allies takes effect on the Western Front, bringing hostilities, the actual fighting, to an official end. -
Russia signs armistice with Germany
On March 3, 1918, Russia signed the Treaty of Brest Litovsk, whereby it exited the War and ceded much territory to the victorious Germans. With its Eastern Front closed, Germany could now concentrate its resources on the Western Front. -
Germany begins its final offensive of the war
It was called the Spring Offensive and marked Germany's last big push for victory; though some early gains were realized, it eventually fell before Allied resistance. -
Treaty of Versailles takes effect
Treaty of Versailles Goes into Operation Officially ends World War I, imposing harsh sanctions on Germany, including reparations, loss of territory, and demilitarization.