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1914 BCE
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo set off a chain of events leading to the outbreak of World War I. -
Battle of the Somme
Fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916, the Battle of the Somme was one of the bloodiest battles in history. It aimed to break the stalemate of trench warfare but resulted in over a million casualties. -
Germany Invades Belgium
Germany invaded Belgium to outflank French defenses. This invasion brought the United Kingdom into the war against Germany, honoring its treaty with Belgium. -
Gallipoli Campaign
The Gallipoli Campaign, from April 25, 1915, to January 9, 1916, was an Allied attempt to control the sea route from Europe to Russia. The campaign ended in a costly failure with heavy casualties. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
the British ocean liner Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat, killing 1,198 passengers. This event turned public opinion against Germany and influenced the United States' eventual entry into the war. -
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, starting the conflict that would expand as other nations were drawn in due to alliances. -
Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution in 1917 led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the rise of the Bolsheviks. Russia exited the war following the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which allowed Germany to concentrate on the Western Front. -
First Battle of the Marne
the First Battle of the Marne was a critical Allied victory that halted the German advance into France. It marked the beginning of trench warfare on the Western Front. -
Christmas Truce
an unofficial ceasefire occurred along the Western Front. Soldiers from both sides fraternized, exchanged gifts, and played football, reflecting the shared humanity amid the conflict. -
Second Battle of the Marne
The Second Battle of the Marne, fought in July-August 1918, was a turning point in the war. The Allies, with American support, successfully countered a German offensive, leading to a series of Allied victories. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun, from February to December 1916, was one of the longest and costliest battles in World War I. French forces defended against a massive German offensive, symbolizing French resilience. -
Zimmermann Telegram
In January 1917, the British intercepted the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the United States. The revelation fueled U.S. support for entering the war. -
United States Enters the War
On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, joining the Allies. U.S. involvement provided crucial reinforcements and resources that helped tip the balance in favor of the Allies. -
Armistice of 11 November 1918
On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, ending the fighting on the Western Front. The armistice marked the end of World War I and led to peace negotiations. -
Treaty of Versailles
Signed on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I. The treaty imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.