WWI Timeline by Braden Allen

June 28, 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 13:48:16 UTC

The assassination of the Prince of Austria, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparked the beginning of World War 1. Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Bosnian-Serb group, performed the murder on the Prince. This is considered the catalyst of World War 1 and greatly increased tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia.

July 28, 1914: Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 13:53:37 UTC

After Serbia's unsatisfactory response to the ultimatum that Austria-Hungary proposed, war would officially be declared between the two countries. This event created a Domino effect, with the allies of these nations eventually also declaring war on each other. This would include Germany declaring war on Russia and France.

August 4, 1914: Belgium is invaded

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:20:55 UTC

Germany wanted passage through Belgium so that they could invade France and subsequently Russia. Belgium refused access and was thus forcefully invaded by Germany. This unwelcome attack triggered the involvement of Britain in the World War, mostly because of Belgium's proposed neutrality and connections to the United Kingdom.

February 19, 1915: Battle of Gallipoli

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:21:48 UTC

The British and French were looking to re-establish their communications with Russia, and they decided to attack Turkey in order to gain back their access. However, the Ottoman Empire fought to keep control of their territory, and would ultimately push back the allies and win. This win increased moral within the Empire and the central powers.

May 7, 1915: Sinking of the Lusitania

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:23:07 UTC

The RMS Lusitania was a British ship that was sunk by torpedoes fired by German submarines. This attack killed about 1200 people, including 128 Americans. The killing of U.S. citizens would spark the involvement of the United States into the war.

July 1, 1916: Battle of Somme

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:24:38 UTC

In this battle, France and the United Kingdom would face Germany within French territory. This battle involved over 18 months of long and drawn-out trench warfare. Tactics used here would be prevalent throughout the rest of the war, including vehicle combat and barrages. Ultimately, the allies would come out of this battle with a decisive win.

January 17, 1917: Zimmerman Telegram

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:25:41 UTC

Germany would send a note to Mexico, stating that if the U.S. were to declare war on Germany, they would like to create an alliance with Mexico against America. This agreement would give Mexico U.S. territory if they were to join and win. The note was eventually intercepted before it could reach Mexico, but its effects were still felt within America. This was the breaking point for the United States.

April 6, 1917: America declares war

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:27:02 UTC

The United States , on this day, would officially declare war on Germany and enter Europe. They chose to support the Allies, alongside France, Russia, and England. America issued and provide their allies with men and supplies, while also helping on the warfront. America's assistance was pivotal in turning the war to the side of the allies.

November 11, 1918: Germany Agrees to Armistice

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:28:06 UTC

Armistice was declared between the Allies and Germany, ending the conflicts happening on the warfront. This was effectively he first step to ending the first World War. Now, this day is celebrated within America, commonly known as veterans day.

June 28th, 1919: Treaty of Versailles

allenb8944 — 2024-02-29 14:29:33 UTC

This treaty marked the end of World War 1, and brought peace to the allies. However, the Germans faced reparations that were required for them to fully payout, totally 33 billion dollars. They were also forced to take full blame for starting the war. This paper would lead to unrest and anger within Germany, eventually leading to the birth of the second World War.