-
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28th, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife are brutally assassinated by Serbian Gavrilo Princip. His death led to a domino effect as the Austro-Hungarian empire announced a declaration of war against Serbia. Germany, France, and Russia soon follow as an outbreak of violent conflict swept across the European continent. For these reasons, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is widely recognized as the leading cause of World War I. -
German Invasion of Belgium
On August 4th, 1914. Germany launched an invasion of Belgium to increase entryway into France. Germany, who announced an official declaration of war against the French a couple days prior, believed the invasion would strengthen their military advantage over France and reduce any opposition from the west. Since Belgium was considered a neutral nation, the European superpowers were quickly involved. Great Britain, in particular, announced a declaration of war against Germany. -
Battle of Tannenberg
On August 23rd, 1914, Germany and Russia were interlocked in a violent confrontation known as the Battle of Tannenberg. Heavy casualties resulted as the Russian Second Army was virtually annihilated. The battle is declared a decisive victory for the German forces, who took advantage of extensive rail travel to upend the Russian army. -
Christmas Truce
On December 24th, 1914, an unofficial truce was announced between the Allied and Central Powers after months of violent warfare. The event culminated in a worldwide ceasefire as soldiers from both sides celebrated the Christmas holiday. Wartime gifts and food were exchanged to increase friendly relations between the two sides. -
Lusitania Sunk
On May 7th, 1915, the British passenger ship known as the RMS Lusitania was sunk by German U-Boats. Over 1,000 innocent people were killed as Germany instigated a response to the naval blockade imposed by Great Britain several months prior. The event is widely recognized as one of the most tragic events of World War I, which precipitated U.S. entry into the conflict. -
Battle of Jutland
On May 31st, 1916, German and Great Britain were involved in a deadly conflict known as the Battle of Jutland. Battleship warfare was prevalent as both sides engaged in violent confrontations over the North Sea. Nearly 25 ships were sunk and approximately 10,000 soldiers lost their lives in the largest maritime battle of World War I. -
Battle of Somme
On July 1st, 1916, Germany, France, and Great Britain were engaged in the Battle of Somme. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over one million soldiers, making World War I the deadliest conflict in world history. Technological advancements in military combat, such as tanks and aerial weaponry, are synonymous with the battle as well. -
Zimmerman Telegram
On January 19th, 1917, British officials intercept communications between Germany and Mexico via the Zimmerman Telegram. The proposal was designed to incite warfare between Mexico and the United States, by offering incentives if assistance was provided. The event outraged Americans on the home front, leading to the U.S. declaration of war against Germany. -
Woodrow WIlson and the Fourteen Points
On January 8th, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson outlined the Fourteen Points to stimulate peaceful negotiations between the Allied and Central Powers. President Wilson addressed topics from international diplomacy to the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a means to conclude World War I. While these considerations generated positive responses, criticisms lingered as the war raged on. -
Treaty of Versailles
On June 28th, 1919, Germany and the Allied Powers sign the Treaty of Versailles which brings an official conclusion to World War I. The document held German officials fully accountable for all wartime debts and required the complete demilitarization of German forces. With the introduction of the Treaty of Versailles, the Allied Powers experience a brief period of military and economic recovery prior to the beginning of World War II. -
Armistic of Compiegne
On November 11th, 1918, Germany signs the Armistice of Compiegne which concludes conflict during World War I. German officials agreed to international withdraw and the release of P.O.W.’s to increase relations between the two sides. The document was completed at 11am to maintain the sequence of 11s that has become synonymous with the conflict.