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Balkan Wars
The Balkan wars of 1912-1913 saw the Ottoman Empire lose European territory. The Second Balkan War arose from dissatisfaction among Balkan allies who felt they didn't get a fair share in the first war. In the First Balkan War, the Balkan League defeated Ottoman forces and advanced towards Constantinople. The Second Balkan War ensued when certain Balkan allies turned against Bulgaria due to perceived grievances. (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023) -
Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand
Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina against Siberia's objections, sparking resentment. The Black Hand sought to disrupt Austrian rule in Bosnia. Franz Ferdinand, the presumed heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. The Black Hand, inspired by anti-Austrian sentiments, viewed Ferdinand as a threat to Siberian independence and orchestrated his assassination. (Sources: Greenspan, 2020; National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2023) -
World War 1 Begins
In Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 28, 1914, Franz Ferdinand, the presumed heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated, sparking tensions among European powers, leading to WWI. Germany backed Austria-Hungary and issued a disrespectful ultimatum to Siberia, which sought arbitration. Nonetheless, Austria-Hungary declared war on July 28, 1914. Subsequently, more nations joined, escalating WWI. (Greenspan, 2020). -
Battle of Gallipoli
The Gallipoli campaign, from February 1915 to January 1916, aimed to capture Constantinople by forcing the Dardanelles channel. Despite lasting eight months, it ended in withdrawal. (Imperial War Museums, 2023). It had a lasting impact on military strategies and remembrance among soldiers and civilians. Despite its ultimate failure, it became a symbol of sacrifice and endurance for the nations involved. -
Lusitania Sinks
In the North Atlantic Ocean on May 7, 1915, a German submarine torpedoed a Steamship named Lustina, which was British-owned. The torpedo killed 1,195 people, 128 being Americans, which broke the naval rules causing them to go to war. Germany did this because they did not like how merchant and passenger ships were transporting goods for war from the United States to Europe. This made the United States very angry, even causing an “Anti-German Sentiment”. (McDermott, 2022) -
Battle of Verdun
From February 21, 1916, to December 18, 1916, the Battle of Verdun unfolded in Verdun, France. German forces wanted to take the higher ground located in Verdun while also luring French reserves into battle. Verdun was also chosen because it was seen as a threat to German communication lines and was an important part in French defenses. Despite their odds, France was able to push the German offensive while preserving Verdun. (Imperial War Museums, 2023). -
Russian Revolution
In 1917 in St. Petersburg, two revolutions occurred. The first, from February to March, overthrew the government, the second empowered the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, who urged leftist political views. It included beliefs in freedom, rights, and equality. Corruption and inefficiency in the imperial government prompted the desire for change. Russia's economic and prestige decline after the war fueled citizens' discontent. (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023) -
U.S. Enters War
In 1915, Russia torpedoed the Lusitania which had American citizens on it, causing America’s opinion about the war to shift a little. In 1917, the Americans received an intercepted message from Germany asking Mexico to join Russia and attack America. This caused President Wilson to call a meeting about going to war with Germany. On April 2nd, President Wilson asked Congress to officially go to war with Germany, therefore the U.S. entered the war. (History.com Editors, 2021) -
Battle of Somme
From July 1, 1916, to November 18, 1916, the Battle of Somme raged on, marking a relentless struggle where British and French forces sought a decisive victory against Germany on the western front. Their strategic aim extended beyond just territorial gain; they wanted to secure control over the vital sea route linking Europe to Russia, shaping the course of the conflict and the fate of nations (Imperial War Museums, 2023). -
Zimmerman Telegram
On March 1, 1917, the American public learned of Germany's request for Mexico to declare war on America. The intercepted message was delivered to America by the British. Germany wanted to disrupt America's supplies and alliances by diverting its attention towards Mexico, before resuming submarine warfare.(National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2023). Arthur Zimmerman, the German Foreign Minister, sent the message to Mexico's minister on January 16, 1917.(The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). -
Russian Withdraw from the War
At this point, Russia was severely weakened. After the revolution, Lenin and Trotsky accepted the need to accept the enemy's terms. On March 3, Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, recognizing Ukraine, Georgia, and Finland's independence, surrendering Poland and the Baltic States, and ceding Kars, Ardahan, and Batum to Turkey. This resulted in substantial losses of vital resources like coal, oil, iron, and extensive territory. (History.com Editors, 2021) -
Battle of Chateau-Thierry
On July 18, 1918, the American Expeditionary Force took their first action at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry. The battle unraveled because of the Battle of Marne which was very close to Chateau-Thierry. The Germans wanted to separate the British army from the French and they wanted to isolate the British Expeditionary Force while still threatening Paris. The Battle was a critical moment where French and American forces defended their positions successfully against Germany. (Goldenberg, 2018). -
Battle of Argonne
At 5:30 am on September 26, 1918, the American and French troops marched to attack German forces after a long 6-hour bombing the night before. This was considered one of the biggest American offensives of World War I. France and America wanted to advance against Germany in the Argonne River and the Meuse River. Germany with a loss in spirit, infected with influenza, held out for another month before they finally retreated. (History.com Editors, 2020). -
Armistice of WWI
In Compagnie, France on November 11, 1918, The Armistice was signed, halting WWI between the Allies and Germany. Germany, depleted of supplies and reinforcements, agreed due to Allied pressure. With no home front support and a worn-out military, the Germans decided to sign with the Allies' terms. The terms required Germany to surrender war material and evacuate territory in France and Belgium. (Sawer, n.d.). -
Treaty of Versailles
In Paris, on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed by German delegates, ending a 5-year conflict but attributing "war guilt" to Germany. Meaning that the Allies made Germany take the fall for numerous of the damages caused by the war. Germany's required reparations were territorial losses and military reduction. (National Geographic Society, 2023). President Wilson, Premier Clemenceau, and Prime Minister George helped make the treaty. (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023). -
First Meeting of the League of nations
In Geneva, Switzerland on January 10, 1920, the League of Nations met, aiming to unite nations for peace after WWI. Initiated by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, it comprised 70% of the global population. The Covenant of the League of Nations, consisting of 26 articles, outlined its principles and structure, replacing monarchies with "open covenants of peace." The league decided to replace the monarchy structures with “open covenants of peace.” (Encyclopedia, 1921).