World War I

Franz Ferdinand Assassination

Jun 28, 1914

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated while visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia. He was next in line for the Austro-Hungarian throne. The killings set off decades old tensions in Europe and started WWI.

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia

Jul 28, 1914

Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination of their Franz Ferdinand. Austria-Hungary with the support of Germany gave Serbia a list of demands. When Serbia refused to follow the demands, Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

First use of gas as a weapon by the Germans

May 5, 1915

The Germans first used poison gas against Allied troops in April 1915. The gas could kill or seriously injure anyone who breathed it. Thus leading to the use of gas masks.

Sinking of the Lusitania

May 7, 1915

A German U-Boat sank the British passenger liner called the Lusitania. More than a 1,000 people died, 128 of them being American.

Wilson reelected; pledged American neutrality

1916

Woodrow Wilson pledged that the U.S. would remain neutral in World War I and then won reelection in 1916.

U.S. declares war

1917

President Wilson decided the United States could no longer remain neutral. He then asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. With some debate, Congress agreed that it would be wise to enter if we wanted to remain a world power. Congress then passed a declaration of war, and Wilson signed it on April 6.

Bolsheviks led by Lenin overthrow Russian government

1917

The Russian Bolsheviks overthrew the monarchy which was ruled by the czar. Russia then set up a provisional government run by the Bolsheviks, which eventually became the Communists Party.

Zimmermann Note

1917

British agents intercepted a secret telegram bound for Mexico sent by the German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmermann. The telegram offered an alliance between Germany and Mexico in the event the U.S. entered the war

War ends

Nov 11, 1918

While the some of the Central Powers surrendered to the Allies, this left Germany with no hope of winning the war. Germany then asked the U.S. for an armistice. Wilson Consented, thus ending the war.

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

The Allies and Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Germany then had to pay the Allies billions of dollars. They also had to disarm completely and give up its overseas colonies and some territory in Europe.