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Franz Ferdinand is Assassinated
Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria-Hungary. As Archduke, he also ruled over Bosnia, which did not make some Serbian people happy. Serbian Nationalists believed that they should rule over Bosnia. A particular group named the Black Hand sent an assassin to kill Franz Ferdinand. This assassination, along with many other events beforehand, lead to the overall start of World War 1. -
Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare was a new type of fighting developed during the Great War. This tactic involved digging out deep trenches to keep soldiers protected in. Both sides would have trenches dug and would be fighting to gain small amounts of land on each other. While offering great protection from the enemies, many diseases were developed in the trenches. Soldiers would often suffer from side effects even after leaving the trenches, such as PTSD. -
Effects of the War on Soldiers and their Families
The war affected many soldiers in negative ways. When the soldiers left home, their families had to fend for themselves by caring for each other. Older siblings and mothers had to work hard to get money and food for the families. Many soldiers suffered from Shell Shock on the battlefield, which was a way of saying they were not prepared for the emotional trauma of war, and they often went into emotional shock. Many veterans of war suffered from PTSD after seeing some of the horrors of war. -
Weapons of World War 1
Machine Guns were developed in 1884, and were a major weapon in World War 1. They could fire much faster than any other weapon developed at the time. Flamethrowers were also invented in 1915 and were mostly used by German Flammenwerfer Troopers. Poison Gas was also created in 1915 and was a highly dangerous chemical weapon. It was outlawed internationally after the war ended and since then hasn't seen much use. -
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World War 1
Also known as the Great War at the time, this war was the biggest war the world had seen at this point in time. Many countries were involved in this war on both sides. The two sides were the Central Powers and the Allied Powers. The Central Powers mainly included Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. The Allied Powers mainly included Britain, France, Russia, America, and Italy. The effects of this war greatly contributed to the start of World War 2. -
Germany Invades France and Belgium
Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914. Then Germany proceeded to invade France, causing France to declare war on Germany on August 3, 1914. After France declared war, Germany invaded Belgium which upset Britain. Britain gave Germany one day to stop invading Belgium, but they never responded so Britain then declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914. After Germany had declared war on all three of these countries, the Allied Powers were formed between Russia, France, and Britain. -
Christmas Day Truce
On December 25, 1914, a Christmas Truce was enacted between the Allies and the Central Powers. Soldiers in many places stopped fighting for a day, and celebrated Christmas. In some places, soldiers from both sides went onto No Man's Land and drank, sang, and celebrated Christmas. It was a peaceful day for the soldiers, but sadly another Christmas Truce was never formally enacted. -
The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of Somme was an important battle that lasted from July to November of 1916. On the first day of the battle, over 57,000 soldiers died from both sides. There were over 3 million soldiers that fought in this battle and 1 million soldiers died. After many deaths and countless bombing attacks, the allies ended up winning the battle. It ended up being one of the most costly battles of World War 1. -
America Joins the War
When World War 1 started, America chose to stay neutral in the war because we didn't want to get caught up in the situation. When the Lusitania was taken down by German ships, we started to have a grudge with Germany. Then, Germany sent the Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico, asking them to join the Central Powers in exchange for land back for America. This along with a few other events, lead to America eventually declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917. -
Russia Leaves the Great War
In Russia at the time of World War 1, the Russian Revolution was happening. The people were displeased with how Russia was being run, so they forced Czar Nicholas II out of power on March 15, 1917. Shortly after, the Bolsheviks took control of Russia and established a communist system into Russia.The Russian Government had to sign a treaty with Germany that ended the war between them and gave Germany control of Ukraine, Finland, Poland, and Baltic Territories. -
Eugene Lands in London
Eugene Curtis was a World War 1 officer/medic. In his letter written over the days August 28-31, he talks about how he was on his way to London by boat. He mentions that he saw American Destroyers pass by and how cool that was to see them go right by them. He also adds that the morale of the crew is low, but he is excited and in great health. He is ready to fight for our country. -
Eugene goes to France
In this letter back to his mother, he talks about a train ride to France. His division is going to France to protect and help the people. Eugene mentions that the food on the train is very cold and scarce. It's very uncomfortable and they aren't allowed to sleep. He makes sure to let his mother know that he is optimistic and still motivated to fight for our country. -
Eugene in a Village
He starts off this letter to his mother thanking her for some shoes that were sent to him. Eugene tells her that he is stationed in a village in France and there were a lot of different people from many different cultures there. He wrote about a man that rented a piano for the night to play it for the people in the ambulance. Finally, he said that he met a doctor that used to know one of his old friends, Margaret. -
Armistice Day
This day is known commonly as Veteran's Day in America. This day represented initially the day that the Allied and Central Powers agreed to end the war. The Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending the war and making Germany pay for damages to other countries. Germany ended up having to pay $37 Billion in damages, which in today's money would be about $500 Billion. Germany thought that having to pay that much for damages was unfair, and this would later be a major cause for WW2. -
Eugene Learns the War is over
He begins his letter to his mother by telling her that he received the news of the war ending. He talks about how he's happy that it's over and describes the beautiful and peaceful village he is in. He mentions that he's glad to be helping people as a doctor and is proud. Eugene remarks about wishing he had a camera with him because they had just allowed them to take pictures of the war since it ended. He ends his letter by telling her that he has a 150 mile march soon. -
Eugene's Christmas and New Years Eve
Eugene starts his letter off by thanking his mother for the Christmas card and also mentions that his Christmas was good. He then talks about Cologne, which is the name of the city he is in. He mentions it is beautiful and peaceful and the civilians show no fear towards the soldiers, which is great. He tells her about his plans for New Years, which include going out to a bar with some Scottish friends and celebrating their way. He concludes by letting her know he misses her and he misses home.
