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The Assassination of The Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked the beginning of WW1. The Archduke was warned of dangers awaiting him upon his arrival and still decided to go. The Archduke and his wife continued on the journey despite of warnings and later that day Gavrilo Princip open fired on the cart that the Archduke and his wife were both in killing them.
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On July 31st 1914 Russia mobilized its army by 73%. Germany demanded that Russia stop increasing its army. Russia did not stop increasing their army. Germany then declared war on Russia. This was one of many things that started WW1.
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Big Bertha was a huge weapon that was created by the Germans. Big Bertha had to be transported in multiple parts because it was so huge. It was quoted to be a weapon of mass destruction. Big Bertha lived up to its name during the raid on the Liege Forts. It played a huge role during the German victory.
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The first German aircraft was shot down by an allied aircraft. This sent a message to Germany to show them that we are superior. We have the ability to take out their aircraft with ours. We are showing Germany that we also have aircraft that can do just as much damage as theirs can.
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On December 25th, 1914 all fighting had stopped on the front and in the trenches. The Germans exited their trenches wishing Merry Christmas. At first the Americans thought it was a trick and stayed alert but as soon as they realized that it was not the Americans also exited their trenches.The Germans and allies shared gifts and blessings with one another on that Christmas day.
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On April 22nd, 1915 Germany launched a gas attack at Ypres. This attack came as a surprise to the French. The Germans fired 250 tons of gas at two French divisions causing them to retreat. This was the first offensive attack by the Germans and a successful one at that.
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On May 7, 1915 a German boat Torpedoed the Lusitania. The Lusitania had 1,000 Americans aboard that ship. This attack angered the United States bringing them into the war. This was a deliberate and uncalled for attack from Germany.
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On September 15, 1916 The British deploy the first tanks ever to be used in war. The tank made its first appearance during First Battle of the Somme in France. The tank was made in response to the trench warfare. The tank quickly made an impact on the war.
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On Feb 25, 1917 our British allies intercepted a telegram that Germany was sending to Mexico. In the telegram Germany was asking Mexico for their support in the war. Germany proposed that in return they would get back the land that the United States took from them.
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On February 18th, 1918 Roy Avery arrived in Springfield at 5:00 A.M. Roy Avery was being put on court as a witness in a hearing for naturalization. The Judge complimented his uniform and told him he was a great American for serving our country.
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On November 10th 1918 Roy Avery was on his way to get verification for armistice when a Boche Plane overtook them and they had to take shelter in a cellar of a house. A bomb dropped within a few yards of them. A cow that was in the field at that time had been injured.
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On November 11, 1918 The Armistice was Signed. Roy Avery was very excited to hear this news. Bells were ringing throughout the town. Roy did a lot of drinking and partying that night. He called it a night to never forget.
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On April 30th 1919 Roy Avery was awakened at midnight by an uproar of gunfire. There were gunshots and explosions at the front. The heavy fire lasted throughout the day and night. There were bombs dropping and misses firing at enemy aircraft.
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On June 28th, 1919 The Treaty of Versailles was signed. The treaty officially ended the war. The treaty was negotiated between the Allied Powers. Germany was blamed for the war all together. Germany was then forced to pay for the reparations of the war.
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On October 1st 1919 Roy Avery received permission for a seven day leave. This was good for him to take a break from all of the enduring stress during the war. During the leave he visited with his niece and family members and had dinner with them.
