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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo. His death is the event that sparks World War I.
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Russia mobilizes its vast army to intervene against Austria- Hungary in favor of its ally, Serbia.
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The Germans fire shells filled with chlorine gas at Allied lines
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German sub sinks passenger liner "Lusitania".
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Reacting to international outrage at the sinking of the "Lusitania" and other neutral passenger lines, Kaiser Wilhelm suspends unrestricted submarine warfare.
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The British employ the first tanks ever used in battle, at Delville Wood.
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Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare
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British intelligence gives Wilson the so-called Zimmerman Telegram, a message from German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmermann proposing that Mexico side with Germany in case of war from the U.S.
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President Wilson outlines his case for war to Congress
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Congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany.
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Criticized for destroying democracy
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On this day Erich Maria Remarque arrived on the Western Front. This likely coorespondes to Paul's arrival to the Front.
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At some point before he is injured Paul is given 6 weeks leave (although this does not line up with Remarque's life) during this time he realizes that the people at home cannot understand what it is like at the Front and he feels isolated. He also encounters Russian prisoners of war and reflects on how they are less his enemy than his own generals.
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Paul's friend Kemmerick dies leaving his boots to Muller. This leads Paul to reflect on the fact that the soldiers are forced by their circumstances to be concerned only with the practical.
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On this day Erich Maria Remarque was wounded by shrapmetal in the same fashion as Paul and it is there fore likely that this corresponds to Paul's injury in the book.
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Paul is taken to a Catholic hospital with his friend Kropp to recover from their injuries
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The Germans sign a peace treaty with the new Bolshevik Government of Russia.
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First major American offensive of the war.
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Paul returns to the front at the beginning of the Summer of 1918 having recovered from his injuries.
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Americans attack Germans, turns into the Battle of Belleau Wood
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U.S. Marine Corps attack the Germans across an open field of wheat.
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Final expulsion of the Germans from the wood.
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Kat is wounded by shrapmetal and Paul frantically tries to get him to a medical station. Kat dies just as they are about to reach the station.
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300,000 American troops fling themselves into the German lines.
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Paul is killed on a quiet day in October just before the end of the war.
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Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates, ending all German hope for a victory.
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End of the fighting on the Western Front