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Franz Ferdinand assasinated
Franz Ferdinand was the archduke of Austria. On this day, he and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian. (photo source: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWarchduke.htm) -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
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Russia, ally to Serbia, begins to prepare for war
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Germany declares war on Russia
Because Germany had formed an alliance with Austria-Hungary, it declared war on Russia the day after Russia began mobilizing its armed forces. (photo source: http://www.historycentral.com/Europe/GermanyDeclaration.html) -
Germany declares war on France
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Germany declares war on Belgium
Though Belgium was nuetral, Germany invaded Belgiium in order to defeat France. For this reason, Great Britain declares war on Germany. -
Austria Hungary declares war on Russia
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Unofficial Christmas truce
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Germany declares a submarine blockade of Great Britain
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German U-boat sinks the Lusitania
Germans suspected this ship carrying civilians was hiding military supplies (a correct assumption). 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans die. (photo source: http://homepage.mac.com/oldtownman/ww1/lusitania.html) -
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Battle of Verdun
The longest battle of the war -
Woodrow Wilson re-elected President of U.S.
(photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Woodrow_Wilson-H%26E.jpg) -
Zimmerman telegram
The British intercept a telegram from Reich Foreign Secretary Zimmermann to Mexico encouraging the nation to declare war against the United States. Only in recent years have historians discovered this was a a British plot to get the United States to enter the war. -
President Wilson asks Congress to declare war on Germany
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First wave of American forces lands in France
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New Russian government signs armistice with Germany
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Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points
U.S. President Wilson presents his 14 Points to world peace (photo source: -
President Wilson agrees to cooperate with Allies in sending unofficial, volunteer troops into Russia.
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Turks sign armistice
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German republic founded
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Woodrow Wilson leaves U.S. for Paris Peace Conference
Unfortunately, Wilson does not invite any Republicans to accompany him. This is a mistake that will haunt him when he tries to pass the League of Nations in Congress. Future U.S. Presidents will learn from this mistake. -
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Demobilization of armies
Millions return home (and millions morn the loss of those who do not). *This is a primse example of a disadvantage. Even though this happened throughout the year, I cannot simply put a year. I am forced to enter specific start and end dates (day/month/year format) -
Peace Treaty signed
This treaty was signed by German delegates and Allies in Versailles (photo source: http://www.redicecreations.com/winterwonderland/balfourversailles.html) -
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President Wilson campaigns for the Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations
President Wilson brings this campagin to the American people, traveling throughout the country to give "whistle stop" speeches. -
U.S. Senate fails to ratify the Treaty of Versailles
By this time, President Wilson has suffered various health problems (including a severe stroke). This is a huge defeat for Wilson.
