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WWI
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Christmas Ceasefire
On Christmas day the first year of the war, there was a ceasefire between many German and British troops. It was originally suggested by Pope Benedict XV. Though it never became official, men emerged from their trenches into no man's land, presenting their enemy with gifts. -
Trenchfoot
Trenchfoot is caused by cold, wet, unsanitary conditions. During the winter of 1914, over 20,000 men in the British army alone were treated for it. Eventually, in an attempt to stop the potentially lethal ailments, every soldier received 3 pairs of socks, thigh boots, and rubbed whale oil on their feet. -
Lusitania Sinks
Germany fired a torpedo at the Bristish ship Lusitania. On the ship was 128 Americans.Germany defended themselves by pointing out that the ship was in a war zone, but it still created tensions. -
Flammenwerfer
The first notable use of flamethrowers was on July 30, 1915 by the Germans. They were used in trench warfare to kill huddled groups of people all at once. When the British made their model, it ws 2 tons and could shoot fire 90 ft. They were used to flush soldiers out of the trenches from a distance, where guns would pick them off. -
Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby was a boston terrier who served in WWI. He was the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat. He served for 18 months with the 103rd infantry, and warned his troops of mustard gas, incoming artillery shells, found wounded soldiers, and caught a German spy. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Britain intercepted and decoded a telegram sent from Germany to Mexico. The telegram promised Mexico land from the U.S. if Mexico joined the German cause. Febuary 25th is the day that Britain reported the news to Woodow Wilson. The telegram is part of what caused the U.S. to join the war. -
U.S. Enters the War
The U.S. joined the Allies in April of 1917 after discovering the Zimmerman Telegram. Another reason was the Lusitania, which Germany sunk even though over 100 Americans were aboard. Also, the Allies were in dire need of help, so finally we decided to step in. -
1st Major Tank Battle
The Battle of Cambrai was the first large scale use of tanks in battle. The British troops planned a surprise attack against German posts. 376 Mark IV tanks were involved. The German troops turned to the offensive though, and regained the ground they had lost and won the battle. -
Germany and Russia's peace
When Lenin came to power, one of his first actions was to end Russia's participation in the war. Negotiations began Dec. 22, 1917, and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed March 3, 1918.There was a lot of disagreement though, when Germany demanded Russian territory. -
Daily Life
Charles Lamb sent a letter to his father about his daily schedule. He gets up at 5:40 am and takes a quick shower. He stands for roll call at 6 am. At 6:20 they eat breakfast and he "support[s] the complaint of poor food." -
Camp Merrit
The group is packing for their voyage to France. He is very nervous, and writes how he is scared to be put on the front lines. Everyone is constantly packing and unpacking, deciding what to bring and what to leave. The have a huge excess of hygienic supplies, so they use them for cleaning guns, shining shoes, etc. -
Chateauroux
His group travel to a new French camp. He talks about the parade they have on the 4th of July. Even though he's there for a war, he says that the party is some of of the most fun he's had. Charles was glad for the short vacation from duty. -
New Job
Charles gets assigned a new job in the office at camp headquarters. He says, though he has to work through dinner, he's glad that the back breaking work is over. He also writes that he can't talk about what he does because it's secret. -
Training for gas attacks
They had to stand in gas chambers with their gas, as a test to see if they'd freak out. Gas alarms would go off during the day, so they'd have to put on their masks, which made it hard to breathe. They also had to walk up hill for 20 minutes with a 70lb pack and gas mask on. He despised the exercises. -
Wilhelm Abdicates
Wilhelm was the German emperor and king of Prussia. He was forced to abdicate his throne because of the people's unrest. His abdication ended all hope for Germany's victory in the war.
