WWI Timeline by Maddison Elenes

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand 6/28/1914

12377335 — 2025-02-25 16:58:24 UTC

Describe Event (2 sentences): Archduke Franz Ferdinand was visiting Bosnia to oversee military maneuvers when he got assassinated by Gavrilo Princip. He was killed because he was seen as a threat to Serbian independence.

Explain how event affected people and societies in Europe (2 sentences): The assassination caused much anger and just a month later, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Soon after, the war alliances started to kick in and most of Europe became involved.

Germany Invades Belgium 8/4/1914-10/31/1914

12377335 — 2025-02-25 16:58:24 UTC

Describe Event (2 sentences): Germany had made a plan to invade Belgium which was neutral in the war in order to reach France without having to go through their fortifications. Not only did Germany violate a treaty but they killed thousands of civilians, looted all throughout Belgium, and burned many towns.

Explain how event affected people and societies in Europe (2 sentences): The invasion led to economic hardship and many other long lasting effect. After the invasion, Europe was concerned about Germany gaining more power so Britain ended up joining the war on August 4, 1914.

Battle of Marne 9/5/1914-9/12/1914

12377335 — 2025-02-25 16:58:24 UTC

Describe Event (2 sentences): Germany was planning on defeating France so the French and British forces counter attacked. The battle lasted for days but the allies eventually won after they were able to push Germany back.

Explain how event affected people and societies in Europe (2 sentences): Even though this ended Germany’s plan to sweep into France, it marked the beginning of trench warfare. Trench warfare extended the war and had many irreversible psychological effects on the soldiers.

U.S. Enters WW1 4/4/1917

12377335 — 2025-02-25 16:58:24 UTC

Describe Event (2 sentences): British intelligence had discovered a letter from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States. The British had shared this message to the president leading to a stronger alliance.

Explain how event affected people and societies in Europe (2 sentences): Many Americans supported the war and many joined to be a part of it, becoming soldiers, becoming nurses, or even donating. The war had both good and bad effects on the people from helping women have the right to vote to racial tensions growing.

Armistice Signed 11/11/1918

12377335 — 2025-02-25 16:58:24 UTC

Describe Event (2 sentences): The Germans and the Allies signed an armistice which would end the fighting on the Western Front. Germany finally agreed to sign the armistice because they were already losing on several fronts and were about to face an internal collapse.

Explain how event affected people and societies in Europe (2 sentences): This lead to a widespread relief to the people and anyone else involved in the war. Although the armistice was signed it wasn't an official end to the war it was just to keep peace until the Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Versailles 6/28/1919

12377335 — 2025-02-25 16:58:24 UTC

Describe Event (2 sentences): There was a peace conference held in the Palace of Versailles in France to discuss how to come back from such a great loss, prevent future wars, and to figure out how to punish those who did the most damage. Representatives from 32 different countries had attend in order to make peace and gain power.

Explain how event affected people and societies in Europe (2 sentences): Most voted on harsh punishments for Germany and forced them to take full responsibility for the war. Even though Germany was not fully responsible they still had to accept the unfair outcome.