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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The Archduke and his wife traveled to Sarajevo to investigate conflict there. This land had previously been annexed by Austria-Hungary and had angered many Serbian Nationalists. Austria-Hungary blamed the Serbian government, setting off a chain reaction leading to WWI -
Russia Mobilization Leads to Great Powers at War
Russia was allied with Serbia. As the conflict between Austria-Hungary grew because of the assassination of Archduke, Russia had to decide whether they would intervene or not. By choosing to intervene, other countries allied with Austria-Hungary were forced to get involved as well turning this small conflict into a war between the Great Powers. -
Germany Invades Belgium
In order to have a clear attack on France, Germany needed to go through Belgium. Belgium however, was a neutral country. Because of this, Germany had to first invade Belgium before invading France.
http://www.historyforkids.net/germany-invades-belgium.html -
Second Battle of Ypres
The Second Battle of Ypres is significant because in this battle, the Germans launched their first and only offensive in the year 1915. Unlike their usual tactics, the Germans launched 150 tons of chlorine gas at the allied lines. While they were still unable to breach the line, the effects of the gas were devastating. -
The Sinking of the Lusitania
The sinking of the Lusitania is especially significant because it turned the US's opinion towards the war greatly. More than 1,1000 members aboard the Lusitania were killed when it sunk, including 120 that were American.
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/lusitania -
Signing of the Sussex Pledge
The signing of the Sussex pledge was significant to WWI because it was an attempt to stop the US from entering the war by Germany. It stopped the sinking of non-military submarines by Germany. -
British are 1st to Use Tanks in Battle
The British are the first to use tanks in the Battle of the Somme. They had launched an offensive against Germany. -
Return of Submarine Warfare
This event is significant because it ultimately leads to the US joining WWI. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Germany sends a proposition to Mexico: If Mexico joins their side against the United States, Germany will help return Texas to Mexico. -
War?
President Wilson goes to Congress asking for a declaration of war against Germany. -
The US Enters WWI
Four days after Wilson asks for a declaration of war against Germany, Congress approves. The US enters WWI on the side of France and Britain. -
The Selective Service Act is Passed
The Selective Service Act implemented conscription for the first time since the American Civil War. The Act was signed and passed by President Woodrow Wilson. Conscription is also known as the draft.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Selective-Service-Acts -
Germany Signs Peace Treaty with Russia
The peace treaty between Germany and Russia allows Germany access to land on the western front. This gives them an advantage over France, Britain, and the US -
Battle of Cantigny
This battle, while rather small, is significant in WWI because it was the United States' first offensive move into the war. -
Americans Attack at Chateau-Thierry
This is significant because Americans realized what the cost of victory would be. They had to endure several attacks in order to proceed in the bigger picture (the war). The Americans fighting managed to impress the Germans, who did not expect that. -
The Battle of Belleau Wood
The Germans launched an offensive attack against France. America sent reinforcements. This battle is significant because America suffered large casualties. -
Battle Ends
The ending of the Battle of Belleau Woods is significant because it was the farthest German advance on Paris. America suffered 10,000 casualties. -
Battle of St. Mihiel
This was the first offensive that the US lead. This was also an allied victory. -
Kaiser Wilhelm II Abdicates
Wilhelm was forced to abdicate in order to preserve order in Germany. He only agreed to it after the German army made it clear that he had lost their support as well. -
Armistice Day
This ended fighting on the western front between the allies and
Germany. After 4 years of fighting, World War I came to an end.
