World War I

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Jun 28, 1914

Franz Ferdinand was shot and killed by Gavrilo Princip. He was shot in Sarajevo during a parade type deal. This assassination sparked a chain of bad events. This assassination was one of the reasons for World War 1.

World War 1 Begins

Aug 4, 1914

World War 1 began in 1914 after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and it didn’t end until 1918. During this war the Central Powers and the Allied Powers fought against each other. The actual causes of the war were mostly nationalism and militarism. People had lots of pride for their countries and countries stocked up for the war so they could have to best military and it ended in the result of WW1.

Germans Fire Chlorine Gas

Apr 22, 1915

The Germans fired 150 tons of chlorine gas at the Allied lines. World War 1 was the first time large amounts of gas has been used in combat. This resulted in a near collapse of the French lines. This devastated the Allied soldiers.

Lusitania sunk by the Germans with 128 Americans aboard

May 7, 1915

The Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo. The Lusitania was a british ship that held 128 Americans who died. Because of the ship being torpedoed by the Germans the United States started thinking about entering the war. Americans started speaking out about joining the war after this event happened.

The Arabic (British ship) is sunk by the Germans

Aug 19, 1915

The Arabic was also torpedoed by German U-Boats. Around 40 passengers and crew went missing and that included two americans. The sinking of the ship relit the flame under Americans and they went into a public rage. President Wilson protested the violation of the U.S. neutral rights and threatened to break diplomatic relations.

First Tanks Used in Battle

Sep 15, 1916

The British use the very first tanks to be used in battle. They are useful to break through barbed wire and clearing paths. Although they can do those things, they can fail to be a decisive weapon. The designers hoped they would be.

Zimmerman Telegraph

Feb 25, 1917

The Zimmerman telegram was a secret diplomatic communication used by the German Foreign Office that proposed a military alliance with Germany and Mexico. Arthur Zimmerman wanted Mexico to side with Germany. They did this so they’d have them on their side if Germany and the United States went to war. Mexico declined the offer and an outrage broke out and this made Americans want to join the war.

United States Enter the War

Apr 6, 1917

The U.S. congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany. The U.S. entered the war joining the Allied Powers. More than 2 million soldiers fought for the U.S. Many Americans wanted to stay neutral during the war but there were also many Americans that believed we need to join it.

Selective Service Act

May 18, 1917

The Selective Service Act was made to build up a military. Any male 18 years or older was ordered to enlist in the military. Many of the men were put into the military because we needed more soldiers. There were several men who ran away from the draft; they are called defectors.

Quincy Claude Ayres boards USS Pocahontas

Dec 3, 1917

Ayres boarded the USS Pocahontas. They were rammed into but not damaged too bad. The Pocahontas headed to Paris. They celebrated Christmas in Paris.

Ayres Receives His First Letter

Feb 15, 1918

Quincy recieves his first letter from Mary. I am assuming that Mary is his wife. He says that it fires him up. It gives him hope.

Ayres Sends a Letter Home

Feb 28, 1918

Quincy sends a letter home saying that things are getting really dangerous. He says that he’s really scared and he loves his family. He says it gets worse and worse everyday.

Quincy Ayres is Getting Shot at

Mar 3, 1918

Quincy is getting shot at now. He explains his fear and how much danger he is in. He said he has never experienced this much shooting. He says his ears hurt from all of the booming he can hear.

Quincy Ayres is Promoted to 1st Lieutenant

Apr 4, 1918

Quincy believes that he is promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He isn’t quite sure but his authorities and other soldiers have been talking about it. He’s very excited to be promoted because it’s a big deal. He’s glad to finally move up.

Armistice Day

Nov 11, 1919

Armistice day is the day where an Armistice was signed. It was signed to end all fighting on the Western Front. Armistice day is also known as Veterans Day. We celebrate Armistice Day to honor anyone who has fought or is currently fighting for our country.

Quincy Ayres Dies

Mar 1, 1963

Quincy Ayres dies on March 1, 1963. He died of natural causes. He did not die in combat. He died 29 days before his birthday and he did not make it to 72 years old.