-
Austria-Hungary leader Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on June 28, 1914, which put the war in motion. He was assassinated by Gavrillo Princip, member of the Black Hand. Exactly one month after his assassination, the war began.
-
After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. WWI then over time had more nations join due to alliances.
-
As the War just starts to begin, Russia urges German restraint and begin to mobilize troops in caution to what may come. In return, Germany begins to mobilize their troops as well.
-
Germany, who had a treaty with Russia, declared war in order to protect their allies. Soon after, France and Belgium begin to mobilize troops.
-
Two days after declaring war on Russia, Germany declares war on France. Now having declare war upon Russia and France, Germany came up with the Schlieffen plan.
-
Before the Germans declared war on France, they sent a letter to the Belgian government for a right to travel through Belgium. This would put German troops in position for a better attack on France, giving them the best chance at securing a victory. However, Belgium was a neutral country so this invasion led to tension between other nations. Soon after the invasion, Great Britian declared war upon Germany.
-
The Battle of Verdun started on February 21, 1916, and lasted till December 18, of 1916. This was the longest battle of WWI, which occurred along the Western Front, where trench warfare was used. The battle was between the French and the Germans, where the French would later win.
-
The Battle of Somme River was the bloodiest battle of the war. The British and French fought the Germans, in an attempt to weaken the German army. The results were inconclusive, as there was no definite winner. The British commander halted his army after more than 4 months of battle.
-
After the sinking of the Lusitania, the U.S. was forced to enter the war since the Lusitania had Americans on board. General John J. Pershing entered the war with millions of soldiers
-
Germany had formally surrendered on November 11, 1918, and all nations had agreed to stop fighting while the terms of peace were negotiated. Germany lost and took complete responsibility for the war.
