WWI BLOG TIMELINE by Michelle Cordova

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinad of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:19:00 UTC

On June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinad and his wife, Sophie the Duchess of Hohenburg, were killed by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip.

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. World I begins.

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:24:14 UTC

Following the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, believing the country to be responsible.

GERMANY ENTERS THE WAR

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:28:05 UTC

On August 1st, 1914 Germany enters the World I with its declaration of war on Russia. Days later, on August 3rd, 1914 Germany also declares war on France.

BRITIAN ENTERS THE FRAY

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:34:25 UTC

As of August 4-6 1914, Britain officially declares war on both Austria and Germany. Many begin to wonder, when will it end?

Civillians Find Relief From the War, Will it Last?

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:38:23 UTC

As of October 1st, 1914, the Comission for Relief in Beligum (CRB) has begun distributing life saving food and items to civilians in Belgium and Northern France.

Aremnian Troops Unfairly Segregated

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:47:44 UTC

As of February 1st, 1915, the Ottoman Turkish army disarms its soldiers into labor battalion fearing that they may be aiding Orthodox Russians in their fight against Turkey.

How Will America Respond?

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:50:17 UTC

As of February 2nd, 1915 a German Officer, Werner Horn, is arrested in Maine for a bombing which damaged a Railway Bridge connecting both the U.S. and Canada.

LUSITANIA SINKS, GERMAN U-BOAT HELD RESPONSIBLE

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:55:04 UTC

As of May 7th, 1915, the Cunard passenger ship Lusitania sinks in British waters. It has said to have been attacked by German U-boat U-20, commanded by Kapitanleutant Walther Schwieger.

Serbia is invaded by Germany, Austria and Bulgaria

83832mc — 2024-03-20 20:59:05 UTC

As of October 6th, 1915, troops of the Central Powers cross the Danube River and capture Belgrade. Serbian troops experience a massive retreat.

THE LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE IS FORMED

83832mc — 2024-03-20 21:02:05 UTC

The Lafayette Escadrille, a French Army flying unit, is composed of mostly American Volunteers. The 38 total Americans volunteers are accredited with 57 victories.

Germany Restricts its Submarine Warfare

83832mc — 2024-03-20 21:07:39 UTC

On May 10th, 1916, after the sinking of passenger ship, Sussex, Woodrow Wilson again threatens to break off relations with Germany. As a result, Germany calls off their campaign for unrestricted to avoid involving America in the war.

The Great Arab Rising

83832mc — 2024-03-20 21:09:52 UTC

As of June 5th, 1916, a nationalist rise to throw off Ottomon rule begins. This revolution is led by Sherif Hussein of Mecca, King of Hedjaz, and his son Emir Fesial.

U.S. President Wilson is reeletected

83832mc — 2024-03-20 21:13:14 UTC

As of November 7th, 1916 Democratic candiate Woodrow Wilson is reelected as the United States President.

BRITISH INTELLIGENCE SERVICE INTERCEPTS WAR MESSAGE?

83832mc — 2024-03-20 21:18:52 UTC

As of March 1st, the BSI alerts the United States of the Zimmerman Telegram. In this decoded message it is revealed that Germany had planned on promising Mexico the return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona should they side with Germany once the U.S. enters the war.

The Battle of the Somme

83832mc — 2024-03-20 21:22:23 UTC

As of June 24th, 1916 the Allies begin a large-scale artillery barrage in an attempt to draw German troops from Verdum. 20,000 British are killed and 40,000 more are wounded. The British gain 6 miles.

NEW COUNTRY JOINS THE WORLD WAR

83832mc — 2024-03-21 20:33:50 UTC

As of April 6th, 1917 it is revealed that President Wilson has signed the war declaration and the U.S. is now at war with Germany.

Total War Becomes a Reality

83832mc — 2024-03-21 20:41:58 UTC

German Gotha airplanes introduce the concept of "Total War" by targeting Folkestone, England civilians. 95 civilians casualites and 195 are injured.

AMERICANS BEING DRAFTED

83832mc — 2024-03-21 20:47:42 UTC

On June 5th, 1917 millons of American Men register for service under the Selective Service Act. Throughout the country, 9,586,508 men are selected for servuce.

AMERICA CENSORS ITS MAIL??

83832mc — 2024-03-21 20:51:33 UTC

On June 15th, 1917 Congress reveals its plan to enact the Espionage Act, an act which allows the government to censor publications through the mail.

BRITIAN KING PUBLICLY DENOUNCES GERMANY

83832mc — 2024-03-21 20:57:57 UTC

As of July 17th, 1917, The King of Great Britian reveals that he has given up all his German titles and associations with the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. He renames his dynasty to 'the House of Windsor'

British Attack Against Germany

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:02:52 UTC

On July 31, 1917--November 10, 1917 British Army begins the Thrid Battle of Ypres against the Germanys. British artillery units fire 4,283,550 shells at German lines.

FIRST AMERICAN DEATHS

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:08:13 UTC

On October 21, 1917, it was revealed that the first American combat soldiers of the First Division had been killed on the Western front.

Britian Shows Support

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:14:18 UTC

On November 2nd, 1917 British government reveals its support for a "national home for Jewish people" in Palestine with the Balfour Declaration.

BOLSHEVIKS SEIZE RUSSIA

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:16:25 UTC

On November 7th, 1917 less than 2 months after being declared a "socialist republic", Lenins forces seize Russia. The Bolsheviks demand a "just and immediate peace".

BRITIAN CAPTURES JERUSALEM

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:19:21 UTC

On December 9th, 1917, London celebrates victory! Prime Minister Llyod George achieved his objective of capturing Jerusalem weeks ahead of schedule, dealing a devastating blow to Turkish forces.

U.S. CONGRESS PASSES BILL

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:21:31 UTC

As of December 18, 1917 it is revealed that the 18th amendment now outlaws the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcholic liquros. It awaits ratification from the states.

PRESIDENT WILSON FOR PEACE

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:23:12 UTC

On January 8th, 1918 President Wilson gives a speech outlining his Fourteen Points for peace. His speech details what he believes needs to happen in order for this world war to end.

RUSSIA AND GERMANY SIGN A TREATY

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:26:02 UTC

On March 3, 1918 the treaty of Brest-Litovsk is signed by Soviet Russia and Germany. Germany sets hars terms Russia yields 34% of her population, 32% of her farmland, 50% of her industrial holdings, and 90% of her coalmines.

GERMANY REQUESTS PEACE

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:28:19 UTC

As of October 6, 1918 it is revealed that although Germany had requested an armistice, the Allies refused.

WAR IS OVER; Armistice is signed

83832mc — 2024-03-21 21:30:17 UTC

As of November 11th, 1918 it is revealed that Germany has signed the Armistice and World War I begins to come to a close.