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The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, heir to the austro-hungarian throne, was shot and killed in Bosnia along with his wife. Austria-Hungary was enraged and blamed serbia for the assassination, sparking war between the two nations. -
World War I Begins
Germany invaded Belgium, causing a chain reaction of countries going to war. It was the official start of World War I. -
First Tanks
For the first time ever, tanks were made and used in warfare. They were brought in by Britain during the battle at Delville Wood. Though they were great for getting through barbed wire and protecting troops, they failed to be a decisive weapon. -
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Battle of Verdun
This was the longest battle in World War I. The main goal of the Germans was to "bleed France white" in this battle. Soldiers who came out of it were exauhsted and scared. It also sparked the Battle of Somme, where the British tried to take the focus off of the French in Verdun. -
Zimmerman Telegram
British intelligence intercepted the note, known as the Zimmerman telegram, that supposedly stated that Germany was bribing Mexico to side with them. This is one of the reasons America eventually enters the war. -
Germany and Russia at Peace
Germany signs a peace treaty with Russia, as they were going through a civil war at the moment. It game Germany new land on the western front, causing a problem for America, Britain, and France. -
America Enters the War
Congress authorizes the call for war. America enters on the side of Britain and France. While the other countries were growing tired of war the AMericans were fresh and brought new energy into the mix. -
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Battle of Belleau Wood
A battle with the U.S. Marine Corps against Germany. It ends with the final expulsion of Germany from the woods, marking the furthest Germany had been after they took Paris. The area had changed hands six times. -
Armistice Day
This marked the signed ending of fighting on the Western front. Though there was celebration, some fighting still went on. The death toll that happened on this enraged many people. However, it is still considered the last day of offical fighting. -
Treaty of Versailles
A list of negotations, made by the allies, that put an official end to the war. It limited Germany's borders and army size as well as making them pay reparations.
