Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary is assassinated in by a member of a Serbian terrorist group. This event leads to World War One.
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia because they failed to meet an ultimatum set by the Austro-Hungarian government. This was the first declaration of war in World War One.
Germany declared war on France and commenced with their “Schlieffen plan” and marched through Belgium. This caused Britain to declare war on Germany .
France declares war on Austria-Hungary. Yet another declaration of war added to the feud.
Britain declares war on Austria-Hungary, as did France.
British and French armies invade and keep Togoland, a German outpost in West Africa. This is an example of fighting in colonies
Germany invaded France through Belgium. The British and the French joined together and held off the Germans – effectively winning the battle. This was when Great Britain first fought in the Great War,
This is the first day that trenches were dug on the Western Front
-5 Nov 1914, France, Great Britain, and Russia declare war on the Ottoman Empire for bombing Russian sea-ports. The Allies had declared war on a nation that was clearly a Central Power.
Germany must split troops to help the Austrians. The Austro-Hungarian army was clearly having trouble defending themselves and their country.
The Balkan front is established. British and French armies attack Dardenelles because the sea passage to Russia was cut off by the Ottoman Empire.
Italy joined the Allies because they were promised territory in Austria-Hungary. This gave the Allies an important ally
'The Great Retreat' is ordered - Russian forces pull back out of Poland (currently part of Russia), taking machinery and equipment with them. Russia is beginning to falter in the Great War.
Germany takes control of the army of Austria-Hungary. Germany felt the need to help the Austro-Hungarians as they faltered in the war.
The Indian army lost many men at the Battle of Loos. This would cause particular anger back in India later when they still weren't granted their freedom.
France declares war on Bulgaria because they had declared war on Serbia after a secret alliance with Germany
German, Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian armies force the Serbian army into exile; Serbia suffers a disastrous defeat.
The Germans developed new weapons and started a particularly bloody ten month battle with the French known as the Battle of Verdun. There were many deaths and injuries at this battle.
- 12 Oct 1916, The Brusilov Offensive was an assault which effectively crushed the Austro-Hungarian army.
Certain offensives launched by the French ended so badly that many French soldiers were feeling disconsolate and hopeless. Some soldiers started a mutiny, and one of the generals who launched the offensive was fired.
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The Germans began to launch an offensive which they hoped would defeat the allies before more Americans could come.
American troops started to arrive in France. They greatly helped the allies win the war.
The Americans help the Allies win an advantage over the Central Powers and claim more territory.
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The Treaty of Versailles was signed which ended the war, but not the fighting.
The Armistice between Germany and the allies officially ends The Great War.