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Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated
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Russian troops mobilized to aid Serbians in fight with Austria-Hungary. Eventually leads to mobilization of the rest of the European countries.
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The first World War began with Germany's invasion of Belgium.
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Germans advance toward Paris, France and encounter French troops. Fighting occurs in trenches dug by soldiers. Trench warfare led to long-lasting stalemate.
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French lines almost collapse when Germans fire chlorine gas shells at them, but the Germans were not able to take advantage of weakened line.
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German submarine sinks a passenger boat carrying 1,198 people; 128 of them were Americans.
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As a response to the sinking of the Lusitania and other neutral passenger ships, Germany limits unrestricted submarine warfare. This makes it harder for Germany to stop America from sending supplies to the Allied Powers but delays the United States's entrance into the war.
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British used first tanks in battle. They were still primitive and not as decisive in battle as the inventors thought they would be.
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Germany's use of submarines resumes which finally helps bring America into the war.
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Telegram from German, Arthur Zimmerman, to Mexico intercepted by British and published in American newspapers. Suggested Mexico join Germany and attack the U.S. to get back territory they lost in the war. This helped sway public opinion in favor of joining the war.
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Peasant uprisings in Russia caused Czar Nicholas II to step down from power.
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American people angered and want to join the war. The case for entering the war is outlined by Woodrow Wilson before Congress.
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America enters war and joins the Allied powers against Germany.
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Authorized military draft for war. Signed by Wilson.
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Fearing the Czar and his family would be rescued, the people decided to kill Nicholas, his wife and children, and several of his most loyal servants.
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Bolshevic government in Russia decides to leave war. Sign peace treaty with Germany, giving up parts of the country that were Poland and Ukraine. All fighting for Germany now in the West.
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America's first offensive in World War I. Allied victory although it was insignificant.
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Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany steps down and goes to the Netherlands where he spends the rest of his life. With him went the German hope of victory.
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Fighting on Western Front ends after Armistice signed.
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World War I end officially when the Treaty of Versailles was signed. It was signed by Germany and the Allied powers, and had 15 parts and 440 articles.
