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 Erope and started WWI.

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia [July 28, 1914]

Jul 28, 1914

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and his wife. This led to Austria-Hungary declaring war one Seerbia.

First use of gas as a weapon by the Germans [April1915]

1915

The Germans used this against the Allies and this killed and injured any allies that breathed it. After that the Allies started to use poison gas as well. This led to troops having to carry gas masks.

Sinking of the Lusitania [May 7, 1915]

Jun 7, 1915

This ship sinking by the German submarine, U-Boat, had a great factor in bringing America into the war. More than 1,000 people died and among them 128 American citizens. This angered some Americans.

Wilson reelected; pledged American neutrality [November 1916]

1916

Wilson barely defeated the Republican candidate, Charles Evans Hughs. Wilson wanted America to be neutral and not enter the war. Events like Germany attacking American ships and also change of power in Russia finally pushed America into joining the war.

Bolsheviks led by Lenin overthrows Russian Government [November 1917]

1917

Riots were starting to break out in Russia. A group called the Bolsheviks overthrew the Russian Government. This group wanted to take Russia out of war the war and was led by Vladimir Lenin. They succeeded. In March 1918, Lenin signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovisk with Germany. This led to Russia leaving the war.

U.S declares was [April 1917

1917

Wilson decided that it was time to enter the war. He asked Congress on April 2, 1917 for a declaration of war. There was some debate between Congress but they decided that America has to defend there rights and remain a world power. Congress passed a declaration of war and Wilson signed it April 6.

Zimmermann Note [January 1917]

1917

The Zimmermann Note was a telegram from Germany headed to Mexico, offering German alliances against America if they entered the war. This telegram was intercepted by some British agents. This set off a anti-German feeling in the United States. This was one of the things that pushed America into war.

War ends [November 11, 1918]

Nov 11, 1918

Germany was struggling on the Western Front. Lots of there allies had fallen and they were running low on supplies for soldiers. Germany new they had a small chance of winning the war so they asked Wilson for an armistice. Wilson agreed but only on some terms. The armistice started on November 11, 1918. Germany agreed to withdraw land forces from the Rhine River, the Baltic Sea, and to surrender huge amounts of their equipment.

Treaty of Versailles [June 28, 1919]

Jun 28, 1919

Germany and the Allies signed this treaty. These terms were very harsh. Germany had to take full responsibility for the war. It had to pay the Allies billions of dollars, it had to disarm completely, and it had to give up oversea colonies and some territories in Europe.