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The United Kingdom declared war on Germany in response to the invasion of Belgium. -
Germany declared war on Russia and then France, implementing the Schlieffen Plan to invade Belgium and attack France quickly. -
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist, triggering a diplomatic crisis.
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Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This set off a chain reaction of military alliances, expanding the conflict. -
Russia, allied with Serbia, mobilized its troops, prompting a response from Germany. -
The Western Front became entrenched in a devastating stalemate, with battles like Verdun and the Somme causing massive casualties. -
Amid social and economic turmoil, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, leading to the establishment of a provisional government in Russia. -
The U.S. entered the war on the side of the Allies following German submarine attacks and the interception of the Zimmermann Telegram. -
The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power in Russia, establishing a communist government. -
The treaty imposed severe sanctions on Germany, redrew European borders, and established the League of Nations, laying the groundwork for future conflicts. -
An armistice was signed, bringing an end to the fighting in World War I. -
Russia signed a peace treaty with the Central Powers, officially withdrawing from the war and ceding large territories. -
Germany launched a major offensive on the Western Front, but Allied forces eventually repelled the attack. -
The Allies launched a successful counteroffensive, significantly weakening German forces. -
Facing widespread unrest, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, and Germany became a republic.