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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (No. 1)
WWl began when Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the attack. They then declared war on Serbia. This triggered a series of alliances and mobilizations, escalating the conflict into a world war. Russia, allied with Serbia, began to mobilize against Austria-Hungary, Germany declared war on Russia, followed by Germany declaring war on France and invading Belgium, bringing Britain into the war as well. -
Western Front and Trench Warfare (no. 2)
The Western Front, where the major battles between the Allies and the Central Powers took place, became characterized by trench warfare. The trench lines stretched from the North Sea through Belgium and France to Switzerland. Soldiers lived in these trenches under dire conditions, facing disease, and the threat of gas attacks. Advances in military technology, such as machine guns, tanks, and poison gas, made the fighting deadly, with little territorial gain but high casualties. -
The Russian Revolution and Exit from the War (no. 3)
Russia’s involvement in the war caused economic strain. By 1917, there were protests against Tsar Nicholas II, the army was unable to gain victories. Tsar Nicholas II resigned, ending over three centuries of Romanov rule. A provisional government was made but failed to address the needs of the weary population. In March 1918, the new Bolshevik government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany. This allowed Germany to focus on the Western Front leading to a revolution within Russia. -
U. S. Entry (no. 4)
The United States had initially maintained neutrality but got involved in the war in 1917. First, Germany’s submarine warfare, particularly the sinking of an American ship angered the U.S. government. Second, the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico, which the British made public. Wildrow Wilson declared war on Germany. The U.S. brought fresh troops and vast economic resources, which played a critical role in the balance of power of the Allies. -
William M. Boyd (no. 2)
William recalls a memorable scene at the station where women were crying and bands were playing. After saying goodbye to his friend, he endured a long 6-hour ride to Camp Meade. There, an M.P. assured them they'd get three meals a day, which was comforting after a tiring, dusty march. The narrator then arrived at Barracks R15 in the 315th Infantry to begin his training as a soldier. -
Introduction to William M. Boyd (no.1)
William M. Boyd, a graduate in Pharmacy, wanted to serve in the U.S. Navy and applied for enlistment in 1917. He passed a physical exam but was rejected due to his vision. Undeterred, he bought expensive glasses and returned for another exam. However, the Navy refused, stating he had to take the exam without glasses. Frustrated, he felt angry at the Navy, believing they were more challenging than the enemy forces. -
William M. Boyd (no. 3)
William was put in charge of distributing pills and performing minor surgery and First Aid for two or three months. He enjoyed the role and worked hard to be a good soldier. In addition, he participated in drills and long hikes over white sand, even in the snow, which made the hikes more challenging and fun. The snow often led to snowball fights, resulting in black eyes and sore spots. During the winter, William gained strength and weight, reaching 180 lbs. -
William M. Boyd (no. 4)
The day was bright and clear, and William saw French fishing boats. Though land was still not in sight. He knew the land was close, as these small boats don't venture far. Along with the fishing boats, he spotted a large boat heading toward the States or Canada, followed by two more large boats traveling westward. -
William M. Boyd (no. 5)
Williams's unit was ordered to pack medical supplies and prepare to march. After a tiring journey, they traveled for two days and nights, eating corned beef and hardtack. Upon arriving at Herronville, they faced a difficult hike, and William, struggling with exhaustion and thirst, nearly collapsed but pushed on. After reaching the town, he found billets, and although William was weary, the soldiers sang as they marched, showing determination despite their fatigue. -
The Armistice and the Treaty of Versailles (no.5)
The German military eventually began to crumble. In 1918, Germany sought an armistice, effectively ending the fighting. The formal peace settlement came in the form of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, where the victorious Allied powers imposed harsh terms on Germany. The treaty also created the League of Nations, an organization used for preventing future conflicts.