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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria occurred on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo. He was killed by Gavirilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, which sparked a chain of events leading to WW1. This assassination prompted Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia, triggering alliances and conflicts among major world powers. -
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia
On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official start of WWI. This declaration came in response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which Austria-Hungary blamed on Serbian nationalists. The conflict quickly escalated as alliances were activated, drawing multiple countries into the war. -
Germany declared war on Russia
On August 1, 1914, Germany declared war on Russia, escalating the conflict that would become WWI. This decision was influenced by Russia's mobilization of its army along the German border, which Germany viewed as a direct threat. The declaration of war set off a chain reaction, leading to further declarations and the expansion of the war across Europe. -
Germany declared war on France
On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France, further expanding the scope of WWI. This declaration followed Germany's strategic plan to quickly defeat France before turning to fight Russia, a strategy known as the Schieffen Plan. The move drew France and its allies into the conflict, rapidly intensifying the war across Europe. -
Germany invaded Belgium leading Britain to declare war on Germany
On August 4, 1914, Germany invaded Belgium as a part of its strategy to quickly defeat France by advancing through Belgian territory. This invasion violated Belgium's neutrality and prompted the UK to declare war on Germany. The attack on Belgium marked a significant escalation in WWI, drawing more nations into the conflict. -
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First battle of the Marne halts the German advance into France
The first Battle of the Marne, fought from September 6 to 12, 1914 was a pivotal clash that halted the German advance into France. The French and British forces successfully counterattacked the Germans, forcing them to retreat and abandon their rapid advance towards Paris. This battle marked the end of the German Schlieffen Plan and led to the establishment of trench warfare on the Western Front. -
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First battle of Ypres
The first battle of Ypres, fought from October 19 to November 22, 1914, was a significant early battle in WWI. Allied forces, primarily British and French, successfully defended the strategic town of Ypres in Belgium against repeated German attacks. This battle marked the beginning of trench warfare on the Western Front and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. -
Second Battle of Ypres
The Second Battle of Ypres took place during WWI from April 22 to May 25, 1915, near the Belgian town of Ypres, It is historically significant for the first large-scale use of poison gas by the German forces, which marked a new and horrifying development in chemical warfare. Despite the initial shock and heavy casualties, Allied forces managed to hold the line, preventing a German breakthrough. -
Gallipoli Campaign begins
The Gallipoli Campaign began in April 1915 as a joint Briitch and French operation to capture the Ottoman capital of Constantinople and secure a sea route to Russia. The campaign involved a series of amphibious landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula but quickly became a prolonged and bloody stalemate. Despite significant efforts and heavy casualties on both sides, the Allies ultimately failed to achieve their objectives and withdrew in January 1916. -
Sinking of RMS Lusitania by German submarine
The RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner sunk by a German submarine on Mahy 7, 1915, off the coast of Ireland. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,198 passengers and crew, including 128 Americans, which caused international outrage. The sinking significantly influenced public opinion and contributed to the US decision to enter WWI two years later. -
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Second Battle of the Marne
The Second Battle of the Marne, fought from July 15 to August 6, 1918, was a significant turning point in WWI, Allied forces, including American troops, successfully repelled the last major German offensive on the Western Front. This victory marked the beginning of a series of Allied offensives that would eventually lead to the end of the war -
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Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun, fought from February to December 1916, was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of WWI. German forces gained to capture the French fortress city of Verdun, but the French army mounted a fierce defense under the leadership of General Philippe Betain. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with no decisive victory, symbolizing the brutal and grueling nature of trench warfare. -
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Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme, fought from July to November 1916, was one of the largest battles of WWI, involving British and French forces against the German Empire. The battle is infamous for its high casualty rates, with over one million men wounded or killed, and the first day saw the British Army suffer the worst day in its history. Despite the immense loss of life, the battle resulted in only minor territorial gains for the Allies and highlighted the devastating nature of trench warfare. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication sent by the German Empire to Mexico in January 1917, proposing a military alliance against the US. Intercepted and decrypted by British intelligence, the telegram promised Mexico the territories of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if they joined the war on the German side. The revelation of this message helped galvanize American public opinion and contributed to the US decision to enter WWI -
US declared war on Germany
On April 6, 1917, the US declared war on Germany, marking its entry into WWI. This decision was influenced by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram, which proposed a German-Mexican alliance against the US. the declaration of the war marked a significant t shift in the conflict, as American military and economic support bolstered the Allied powers. -
Bolshevik Revolution
The Bolshevik Revolution, also known as the October Revolution, took place in Russia in 1917. Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik party, it resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of the communist state. This revolution marked the beginning of significant political and social changes in Russia, eventually leading to the creation of the Soviet Union. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed on March 3, 1918, between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers, marked Russia's exit from WWI. The Treaty resulted in significant territorial losses for Russia, ceding control of regions such as Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic states to Germany and its allies. This agreement allowed the Bolshevik government to focus on internal issues, such as consolidating power and dealing with the Russian Civil War. -
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Meuse-Argonne Offensive
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which took place from September 26 to November 11, 1918, was the largest and deadliest operation for the American Expeditionary Forces during WWI. This major Allied offensive aimed to break through the heavily fortified German lines in the Argonne Forest and along the Meuse Rive. The successful campaign contributed significantly to the eventual Armistice, leading to the end of the war. -
Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates the German throne
Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated the German throne on November 9, 1918, amidst the turmoil of WWI and widespread civil unrest. His abdication marked the end of the German Empire and the beginning of the Weimar Republic. This significant event paved the way for Germany's transition from a monarchy to a republic during a period of intense political and social upheaval.