WW1 TIMELINE by Karen Cedillos Rodriguez

Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:10:30 UTC

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event triggered a diplomatic crisis, leading Austria-Hungary to issue an ultimatum to Serbia, which ultimately resulted in Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:12:36 UTC

Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia marked the beginning of World War I. This action triggered a series of alliances and counter-alliances, with other European powers quickly being drawn into the conflict.

Sinking of the Lusitania

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:13:33 UTC

On May 7, 1915, the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,200 passengers and crew, including 128 Americans. The sinking of the Lusitania heightened tensions between the United States and Germany and played a significant role in the eventual entry of the United States into World War I.

Start of the Battle of Verdun

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:14:31 UTC

In February 1916, the Battle of Verdun began on the Western Front between German and French forces. Lasting until December 1916, it became one of the longest and most brutal battles of World War I, characterized by relentless trench warfare and staggering casualties.

Start of the Battle of the Somme

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:15:12 UTC

The Battle of the Somme began on July 1, 1916, with a massive British and French offensive against German forces along the Somme River in France. Lasting until November 1916, it resulted in over one million casualties and introduced tanks as a new weapon of war.

United States Declares War on Germany

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:15:55 UTC

On April 6, 1917, the United States officially declared war on Germany, marking its entry into World War I. President Woodrow Wilson cited Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the United States, as reasons for the declaration of war.

Germany's Final Offensive

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:16:41 UTC

In March 1918, Germany launched a massive offensive on the Western Front, hoping to achieve victory before American troops could fully mobilize. Known as the Spring Offensive or Kaiserschlacht, it made significant gains but ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.

Germany Signs Armistice at Compiègne

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:17:21 UTC

On November 11, 1918, Germany signed an armistice with the Allies at Compiègne, France, effectively ending World War I. The armistice called for a cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, although fighting continued in some areas until the last moments before the armistice took effect.

Signing of the Treaty of Versailles

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:18:02 UTC

On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the Palace of Versailles in France, formally ending World War I. The treaty imposed severe penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations payments, and established the League of Nations as a mechanism for international cooperation and collective security.

Treaty of Versailles Takes Effect

cmkarencr — 2024-05-05 00:18:46 UTC

On January 10, 1920, the Treaty of Versailles officially took effect, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Europe and setting the stage for the interwar period. The treaty's harsh terms and the resentment they engendered in Germany would contribute to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.