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Beginning of the War
Although many events have led to the start of World War, one particular event sent everything over the edge and caused war to erupt. This event was the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. Austria-Hungary almost immediately declared war on Serbia. Then. anyone in an alliance with these countries declared war on the other side which in turn started the war. Link text -
Declaration of War by Germany on Allied Powers
From Germany declaring war on Russia on 8.1.191, they were quick to declare war on France on August 3rd. They were quick to do this as they knew Russia was in an alliance with France. If they were in an alliance, they knew that France would aid Russia. Also on this day, Germany invaded Belgium. This caused Great Britain to declare war on Germany and Austria-Hungary. [Link text](nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/map-austro-hungarian-empire-1914.) -
Actual Start of World War 1
The war had not fully begun until the first invasion. For this war, it was Germany invading Belgium that truly begun the war. They attacked the city of Liege and used very large siege cannons to take over the city. They caused a lot of damage to this city and they shot at civilians. Link text -
Aircraft Forces (Veteran)
The RFC has a total of 84 air crafts during the time Britain declared war on Germany. In late August, 4 air crafts would be sent to France to be used to support the British Expeditionary Force. This would caused to RAF or Royal Air Force to form and have thousands of soldiers join. Gustav would be known by friends and colleagues by his good flight skills and pushing through to always become better. Link text -
Battle of Tannenberg
The German held areas of East Prussia and Poland was invaded by Russia. The German and Austrian forces stopped them short. This is the Battle of Tannenberg. Russia’s army was affected through this battle as 50,000 soldiers were killed and almost 100,000 were taken as prisoners. The Germans had given themselves an image form this battle, they showed that they were very vengeful. Link texten.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tannenberg -
First Battle of the Marne
During these three days, the first Battle of the Marne had occurred. This occurred within northeastern France and included the French, British and German. The French and British confronted the Germany Army when they were invading France. The advance the Germans were making had been checked by the Allies and were able to have a counterattacked that worked. The defeat for the Germans was able to give the French a quick victory. The Russian attacks from Tannenberg assisted within this victory. -
America Joins in the War
President Woodrow Wilson appeared before Congress to request a declaration of war against Germany. This had caused a controversy within America as they had stayed neutral this whole time. Many Americans were angry with the Germans as they had continued to sink ships. Many people had actually been wanting to go the war because of this. They knew the Germans had known their were citizens on this ship and although there was munitions aboard they still sunk it. -
Battle of Jutland
Known as the biggest naval engagement of the war, the Battle of Jutland would cause major event to occur within sea engagements. This battle left the British to naval superiority. The Germans facing this, would not try to attempt to break the Allies naval blockade for the remaining months left of World War 1. [Link text](
www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/features/jutland-100.) -
Battle of Vimy Ridge (Veteran)
The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place in Vimy, France. This battle occurred from April 9th, 1917 to April 12th, 1917. This was Gustav Hermann Kissel’s first mission he took on through World War 1. The Canadian Corps launched their offense onto German troops on Easter Sunday. They were able to obtain a swift and easy victory. The victory received here helped push the Canadian Corp to be known as a premier fighting force.[Link text](www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vimy-ridge.) -
Trip to Versailles (Veteran)
Certain American troops traveled to the palace of Versailles. Gustav Hermann Kissel was one of the lucky few to be be able to go. He described this event in his diary as you could tell that every other soldier that went was excited to be there. He showed signs of being very impressed by the gardens the most at Versailles.Link text -
Tikrit Battles (Veteran)
British forces would completely occupy Tikrit (Mesopotamia). Turkish forces were being pushed out by the British in what today is now known as Iraq. They would put up defensive stand points to try and prevent from being overthrown and the power being taken away from them. This decision would become a very costly one. -
Jerusalem Liberated
Jerusalem was liberated by British forces. This path to this was a clear struggling pathway for both sides. The British lost roughly 2,000 soldiers within this. Jerusalem put up their fight, they were not ones who wanted to be under control by another country. On December 9th, two British sergeants on patrol ran into two Jerusalem dignitaries that were carrying a white bed sheet to show surrender. Link tex -
Last Battle for Gustav Hermann Kissel (Veteran)
After eagerness and anticipation, on April 12th, 1918, Kissel would take his last mission unknowingly. After the past months of training and nonstop flying, he would proudly go into battle. This would be his first mission in air, and sadly his last as well. They would encounter a large amount of enemy planes, and he would be shot down. He is the only American to be buried in France's Pont du Hem Cemetery.[Link text
(http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.37555/) -
Last Offensive Attack
The last German offensive attack on the French occurred on July 15th. This is known as the Second Battle of the Marne. Although, the French were accompanied by 85,000 American troops and not as many British troops. The Germans were pushed back by the Allies and put out their own counteroffensive three days later. As Germany faced major casualties , they were forced to call off any other plans. Causing the war to turn in favor or the Allied Powers. -
An End to the Fighting
The Central Powers were beginning to unravel within all front lines. The Turks, although having victory of the Battle of Gallipoli, has signed a treaty with the allies. Austria Hungary reached an armistice not long after they had signed the treaty. Soon after, on November 11th, Germany had been forced into a position where they would seek an armistice that ended World War 1. Link text -
Paris Peace Conference
During the Paris Peace Conference, Allied leaders had stated how they wanted to create a post-war environment that would prevent another war from occurring. On June 28th, the Treaty of Versailles would be signed. Germany had felt like they were being tricked into signing the Treaty. Link text