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Franz Ferdinand Assassination
The Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated sparking the beginning of the first World War. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Gavrilo Princep shoots and kills the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. Austria-Hungary blames Serbia for the assassination of the Archduke and this triggers World War I. -
First use of Gas as a Weapon by the Germans
In April of 1915, the Germans created a deadly weapon known as Mustard Gas which killed thousands of soldiers during World War I. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, the Lusitania, a British passenger ship, was torpedoed by a German U-boat killing 1200 passengers including 128 Americans. -
Wilson Reelected; Pledged American Neutrality
In November of 1916, Wilson was reelected as President of the United States and continues to pledge that the U.S. will remain neutral in World War I. -
Zimmermann Note
In January of 1917, Arthur Zimmermann, a German government employee, sends a telegram to the German Embassy in Mexico encouraging them to invade the southern border of the U.S., distracting them from entering World War I. However, the British intercept the telegram before Mexico receives it, and are able to uncover the message, immediately informing President Wilson. -
U.S. Declares War
In April of 1917, the United States declared war on Germany. -
Bolsheviks led by Lenin overthrow Russian Government
In November of 1917, the Russian Government is overthrown by the Bolsheviks who were lead by Vladimir Lenin and become a Communist government pulling Russia out of World War I. -
War Ends
On November 11 1918, the Germans surrendered ending World War I. -
Treaty of Versailles
On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war between Germany and the Allied Powers.
