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Franz Ferdinand Assassinated
The Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie are assassinated in Sarajevo, by a group known as the Black Hand. -
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Beginnings
Austria-Hungary delivers an ultimatum (a list of requests) to Serbia demanding that Black Hand leaders be arrested, in response to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, and then declares war on Serbia, expecting a quick victory. Instead, they started the first world war. Russia mobilizes its troops,
and Germany declares war on Russia, because they were allied with Austria-Hungary and obliged to support them in their conflicts. -
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Battle of Tannenberg
Russian troops invaded Prussia, but were heavily defeated by Germans. -
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Beginnings - 2
German troops begin to execute the Schlieffen Plan, in which their troops crossed through neutral Belgium in order to reach France. In response to this maneuver, Britain and Belgium declared war on Germany.
Serbia declares war on Germany, and Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia.
Britain declares war on Austria-Hungary, two days after France did so, and Wilson declares American neutrality.
Japan declares war on Germany. -
First Battle of Ypres
A major battle, the First Battle of Ypres, begins. -
Turkey Enters the War
Turkey enters the war, allied with the Central Powers. -
Second Battle of Ypres
The Second Battle of Ypres begins, and the Germans use poison gas for the first time. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
A German U-boat (submarine) sinks a passenger ship called the Lusitania, killing many Americans. -
Italy enters the War
Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary. -
Wilson begins Defense Program
President Wilson orders the drafting of a defense program, in response to hightened conflict in Europe. -
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Battle of Verdun
Germany launched a large attack on France, and the fighting lasted nine months with no clear victory. -
Germany resumes U-Boat Warfare
Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfae. -
US Enters the War
The United States declares war on Germany, despite attempts to remain neutral. -
Battle of Jutland
The Germany navy attempted to break through the British blockade, but were quicly stopped. The next day (June 1), they attempted again, and did more damage to the British fleet, but withdrew once again. -
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Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme lasted five months, and the British employed tanks. -
Bolshevik Revolution
The Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia, and communist Vladmir Lenin siezed power. Russia exited the war. -
Armistice Signed
The Armistice, or Treaty of Paris, was signed, which ended the war. According to the treaty, Germany was forced to dismantle its army and pay billions of dollars in war debt.