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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Gavrilo Princip assassinates the Archduke who is the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Princip is associated with a Bosnian nationalist movement and the Black Hand. Some say this is the spark of the First World War. -
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Declarations of War
During this timespan, several of the major players in WW1 declare war on each other. Some examples include Germany declaring war on Russia, Britain declaring war on Germany, and Japan declaring war on Germany. The United States at this point is neutral. -
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Armenian Genocide
Led by the Young Turks, a mass exodus of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. Over 1 million deaths on the marches to the Syrian Desert. Many women and children are forced to convert to Islam. -
The Brusilov Offensive
One of the most deadly battles of World War 1. There were an estimated 2,317,000 casualties from the battle. -
U.S. Enters WW1
The United States enters the conflict because of violated pledges by Germany acknowledging the United States' neutrality. Several of these events include the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram. Woodrow Wilson issues the Fourteen Points to justify the Unites States' intervention in the war. -
Influenza Pandemic
A deadly pandemic that originated in Kansas, and spread globally. The mass movement of armies returning to their home countries is said to be linked to the start of the spreading. About 25-50 million deaths are estimated to occur because of the disease. -
End of WW1
American involvement in the war changes the tide of the war for the Allied powers. The Battle of Meuse-Argonne is what drives Germany to surrender. Wilhelm II abdicates and an armistice is signed, ending the war. -
Treaty of Versailles
A treaty dominated by the US, France, Britain, and Italy. Germany was forced to pay 33 billion dollars in reparation's and lost about 13.5% of its territories for their actions. Germany was also required to take full responsibility for the war. -
Stalin's "Revolution"
Stalin assumes full control of the Soviet Union with several goals in mind including, rapid industrialization and an expansion of autocratic power. He introduces a 5 year plan to achieve these goals. -
Stock Market Crash
The value of stocks begin to plummet, this is the start of what will later become the Great Depression. There was a reduction of US imports and lending as well as many factories halting production. -
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Japanese Expansionism
Due to rural poverty and agricultural decline, Japan pursues territorial expansion. They expanded into China and Manchuria without parliament's permission. They withdraw from the League Of Nations after they declare they are against Japanese expansion. -
1933 Enabling Act
This act allowed Hitler to seize absolute control of Germany's government. When Hindenburg dies, Hitler combines the offices of president and chancellor and Hitler purges anyone who is not in line with the Nazi party and their views. -
17th Party Congress
Responsible for over 200,000 farm cooperatives to be created. The goal of this was to have an extremely high output of resources, at the lowest price. This was run and controlled by the state and many of the farmers were forced labor. -
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Great Purge
Stalin makes a push to eliminate anyone who is against his regime. Police were used to eliminate many of Stalin's political opponents and he removes many high-ranking military officials. An estimated 1 million are killed. -
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Spanish Civil War
Spanish military planned to overthrow the government, led by General Francisco Franco. Spain receives support from Italy and Germany, while many of the leading democratic powers remained neutral. In February of 1939 Franco gains control of Spain. -
Brest-Litovsk Agreement
A non-aggression pact in which The Soviet Union and Germany agree to a dual occupation of Poland. The Soviet Union was trying to gain back control of some territories in Poland that it lost, while Germany looked to expand it's empire. -
First Arab-Israeli War
Arab Liberation Army invaded Palestine, leading to a ,massive refugee crisis. Approximately 725,000 Palestinians fled Israel and an equal amount of Jews fled Arab states. Israel institutes mandatory conscription into the IDF for all citizens over 18. -
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The Green Revolution
With new technology, there is an increase in global agricultural production. New ideas and methods are introduced such as new irrigation and water control methods, mechanized cultivation and scientific farming methods. With these new advances there were a variety of economic, social, political and environmental consequences. -
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Suez Crisis
Egypt wanted funding to build a new Aswan dam to control the flooding from the Nile. Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal after the US puled funding for the Aswan dam. France and Britain launched air war over Egypt. Inviting forces were removed by 1957 and the canal reopened under Egyptian control. -
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Great Chinese Famine
as a result of collectivization, there is a decline in food output in China. A widespread famine breaks out and there are an estimated 15-55 million deaths in China during this time. -
US Entry into Vietnam
USS Maddox exchanged fire with North Vietnamese ships, as a result President Johnson sends U.S. troops to Vietnam. Johnson justifies this action by portraying Ho Chi Minh as the aggressor. -
Tet Offensive
NVA and VC coordinate a series of surprise attacks on 80 South Vietnamese cities during the celebration of Tet. This event is one of the most famous events that occurred during the Vietnam War. This offensive turned the tide in favor of the North Vietnamese. -
EPA is Founded
Nixon introduces the EPA, many of their policies and goals are drawn out of Rachel Carson's work. With a greater emphasis on ecosystems and human health. -
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Civil War in Angola
Portugal abruptly ends its African empire, Angola becomes independent. MPLA was a communist regime who wanted Angola to transition to communism. National Union for Total independence opposed this and a civil war in Angola began. -
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Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
Soviet Union tries to take control of Afghanistan. The United States saw this as a threat to the oil supply. As a result the US expands military presence in the Middle East and provided weapons and training to the Mujahedeen. The USSR agrees to UN cease-fire in 1988. -
Chernobyl Disaster
A nuclear powerplant in Pripyat that had a reactor meltdown, rupturing the reactor core. Radioactive material was released into the air of Ukraine and Russia. This event marked the beginning of the end for the Soviet Union. -
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Gulf War
Iraq military invaded Kuwait in 1990. US and other nations sent troops in the hopes of liberating Kuwait and push back Iraqi expansion. This resulted in a permanent US presence in the Gulf region. -
NAFTA
NAFTA is created under the Clinton administration. This removed tariff barriers between US, Canada, and Mexico. Several environmental and labor agreements were also put into place. This was done in order to boost the economy of the US.