World War 1 Timeline

Austria-Hungary Takes Control of Bosnia

Oct 6, 1878

1. A-H took over during the race for imperialism
2. As the struggle for power in the tumultuous Balkans morphed into the devastating international conflict that would become known as the First World War.

The Triple Alliance is Formed

May 1, 1882

1. The Triple Alliance was the military alliance between Germany, Austria–Hungary, and Italy
2. They were defeated by the new Allies with the Help from America at the end of WWI

The Triple Entente is Formed

Aug 31, 1907

1. The Triple Entente was made up of France, Britain, and Russia 2. They were the main enemy against the Triple Alliance made up of Gemany, Austria-Hungry, and Italy and were later defeated by the Alliance.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand is Assassinated in Sarajevo

Jun 28, 1914

1. Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assasinated along with Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg by the hands of the Black Hands
2. Gavrilo Princip was his assasinator

Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

1. One month to the day after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were killed by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, effectively beginning the First World War.
2. In response, Russia formally ordered mobilization in the four military districts facing Galicia, its common front with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Germany Invaded Belgium

Aug 4, 1914

1. The Rape of Belgium is a wartime propaganda term describing the 1914 German invasion of Belgium
2. The German Army quickly overwhelmed Belgian defences and King Albert was forced to move his government to Le Havre in France.

A German U-Boat Sinks the Lusitania

May 7, 1915

1. Lusitania carried 1,959 people on the final voyage, with 1,265 passengers and 694 crew aboard with only 761 survivors
2. Turned international opinion against Germany and led towards American entry into World War I.

The First Battle of the Somme Begins

Jul 1, 1916

1. The Battle of the Somme is famous chiefly on account of the loss of 58,000 British troops, nearly one third of them killed on the first day of the battle.
2. Ended on November 18th

The Zimmerman Note is Discovered

Feb 16, 1917

1. The Zimmermann Note was actually a telegraph and came as a coded message dispatch
2. Alliance wanted between Mexico and Germany

The United States Declares War on Germany

Apr 2, 1917

1. President Wilson appeared before a joint session of Congress and asked for a declaration of war against Germany in order to "make the world safe for democracy."
2. The United States the war against Germany because joining the war late left them with fresh men ready to battle over Germany's who have been fighting and worn out.