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The Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia. This is the event that is credited as starting WW1, along with rising tensions in Europe.
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Russia moves its very strong army to intervene between Austria-Hungary, and support it ally serbia. This starts the mobiliastation of all of Europes great powers and leaves Europe in a very fragile position.
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World War One begins with the German invasion of Belgium
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Trench warfare first begins at the first bettle of Marne
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The unofficial "Christmas Truce" is declared.
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The frist time chemical gas is used in warfare. The germans shoot shells of chlorine gas at the allied frontlines in France. With the allies ill-equipped to handle this attack, it results in a near collapse of the frontlines. Germany is unable to take advantage of this breach.
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Allied forces land on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Australia's first true involvement in the war.
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A german submarine sinks the cruise ship Lusitania. Thie ship carries 1,198 people. The sinking causes international outrage.
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The first ever tanks are used by the British at Delville Wood. The tanks are useful, but not the breakthrough the british had hoped for.
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After International outrage at the sinking of many neutral passenger vessels, Germany restricts its submarine usage. This is an attempt to keep the USA out of the war, however it hurts Germany's ability to control what comes in and out of Europe.
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Under the darkness of night allied forces fall out of the Gallipoli Peninsula
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The battle of Verdun, France Begins. Arguably the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.
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Germany sends the secret Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico, trying to get Mexico to join the war. British intelligence intercepts and decipher the coded message and informs the world. The Mexicans refuse Germany's Offer
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In an act of desperation Germany unrestricts its submarine usage. This act more than any other encourages the USA to join the war.
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USA's President Wilson explains his case for war to congress on April the second and it is approved. The USA enters the war on the allied side.
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Russia signs the Treaty of Brest Litovsk, a peace treaty between Germany and Russia
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German Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates and flees Germany to the Netherlands,
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Germany signs the armistice at Compiegne, France. Fighting ends on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
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The Treaty of Versailles officially ends WWI
