World History Timeline: WWI by Finley Parker

June 28, 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:31:58 UTC

The event that sparked World War I was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo. This tragic event led to a chain reaction of alliances being formed and caused the outbreak of war.

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

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:31:58 UTC

In response to the assassination, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official beginning of World War I. This was the start of a series of wars between the major powers.

August 4, 1914: The Invasion of Belgium

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:31:59 UTC

After declaring war on France, Germany was now determined to execute its war plan to defeat France first and then concentrate its forces against Russia. The plan required German troops to invade Belgium to get to France.

September 5, 1914: The First Battle of Marne

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:31:59 UTC

The German army invaded France with a plan for winning the war in 40 days by occupying Paris and destroying the French and British armies. The Germans had initial successes in August.

July 1, 1916: Battle of the Somme

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:32:00 UTC

The Battle of the Somme was known for its massive losses on both sides and the first look at the tank in action. It symbolized the sheer scale and technological advancements of modern warfare.

April 6, 1917: United States Enters WWI

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:32:00 UTC

The United States entered World War I in support of the Allies after several provocations, including the Zimmerman Telegram and unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany. This marked a significant turning point in the war.

Nov 11, 1918: Germany Agrees to Armistice

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 17:32:01 UTC

The armistice signed on November 11, 1918, marked the end of fighting in World War I. It was an influential occasion, leading to the Treaty of Versailles and the re-drawing of Europe's political map.

January, 1917: The Zimmermann Note

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 18:14:55 UTC

British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, Heinrich von Eckhardt, offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause.

January 8, 1918: Wilson Announces His 14 Points

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 18:16:22 UTC

In this address to Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proposed a 14-point program for world peace. These points were later taken as the basis for peace negotiations at the end of World War I.

June 28, 1919: Treaty of Versailles

parkerf1524 — 2024-02-29 18:17:26 UTC

Germany and the Allied Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ending World War One. The treaty's terms required Germany to pay financial reparations, disarm, lose territory, and give up all of its overseas colonies.