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The spark of the war
Franz Ferdinand was assainated -
Period: to
World War I
The start -
Germany declares war on Russia and France
Altough Belgian nuetrality was guaranteed, Germans marched through Belgium into France. -
The Battles of the Marne
The rapid advances of the German army through Belgium and northern France caused panic in the French army and troops were rushed from Paris in taxis to halt the advance. Combined with the BEF (British Expeditionary Force) the Germans were eventually halted and the War settled into the familiar defensive series of entrenchment's. -
The Battles of Ypres
These consisted of three battles. The first in 1914 was a BEF to halt advances made by the Germans. The second was in 1915 marking hte first use of poison gas by the Germans. On July 31, 1917, led to horrific losses and eventually the end of the battles. -
Lusitania Sunk
Offcoast of Irleand the Germans sunk the Lusitania with their U-boats without warning. It sunk in 18 minutes killing 1198 people. -
The Battle of Verdun
The German attack began on February 21, 1916 with an intense artillery bombardment of the forts surrounding Verdun. The French army retreated to predetermined positions while the German army pounded through the French lines. On February 25 1916, Fort Douaumont, near Verdun, surrendered to German forces. On that same day, General Joseph Joffre, the French Commander and Chief, dedicated to ceasing further French retreat, assigned General Henri Philippe Petain to command the French army at Verdun. -
The Battle of Somme
This was the infamous "Big Push" attack across the Somme river. The Battle of Somme led to one of the biggest slaughters in military history. -
Declaration of war
Wilson asked for the declaration of war and insisted "The world must be made safe for Democracy." -
The Battle of Cambrai
Brtitish launched an attack that implemented the most famous secret weapon of all time...THE TANK! -
The end of the war
Of the 11th day of the 11th month on the 11th hour leaders from all sides of the war signed the armistice for the end of World War One.
