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The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914 set off a chain of events that led to war in early August 1914
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914 was the cause of World War I. He was killed in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist, which led Austria-Hungary to blame Serbia. With Germany’s support, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. -
Germany declares war on Russia
This declaration came after Russia began mobilizing its troops in response to Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia. Germany had demanded Russia halt mobilization, but when Russia refused, Germany declared war -
Germany declares war on France
This declaration came after Germany had already declared war on Russia two days prior, and was part of a larger plan to quickly defeat France before focusing on Russia. The declaration of war on France was a key step in the outbreak of World War I. -
Germany invades Belgium; Britain declares war on Germany
Germany invaded Belgium, prompting Great Britain to declare war on Germany. This action was a direct consequence of Germany violating the Treaty of London, which guaranteed Belgium's neutrality. Britain's declaration of war marked a significant escalation of tensions, transforming a regional conflict into a global one. -
The rape of Belgium
German troops commit atrocities against civilians, including mass executions, burning of towns, and attacks on women and children. Cities like Leuven (Louvain) and Dinant witness massacres and destruction of cultural landmarks (e.g., the University of Leuven Library). -
First Battle of the Marne: Germany is pushed back; trench warfare begins.
The First Battle of the Marne in September 1914 was a key turning point in World War I, as Allied forces stopped the German advance into France and forced a retreat to the Aisne River. This defeat ended Germany’s hopes for a quick victory and led to the start of trench warfare, which would dominate the Western Front for the rest of the war. -
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First Battle of Ypres: Trench systems solidify along the Western Front.
The First Battle of Ypres (Oct–Nov 1914) was a key moment in WWI, marking the end of mobile warfare and the start of trench warfare on the Western Front. Both sides suffered heavy casualties in failed attempts to break through. The battle secured the vital city of Ypres and concluded the "Race to the Sea." Defensive tactics and modern weapons led to complex trench systems, creating a deadly stalemate that would last for years. -
Stalemate, Gas Warfare, and Global Expansion
Second year of WW1 starts -
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Stalemate, Gas Warfare, and Global Expansion
The 2nd year of The Great War -
Second Battle of Ypres: Germans use poison gas (chlorine) for the first time on a large scale.
During the Second Battle of Ypres, Germany used chlorine gas for the first time in WWI, targeting French and Canadian troops. The gas caused panic and heavy casualties, creating a gap in the Allied line. However, Germany failed to exploit the breach. Canadian forces held firm, preventing collapse. The attack marked the start of chemical warfare, leading to gas mask development and a legacy of fear that shaped future conflicts. -
April 25, 1915 – Gallipoli Campaign begins: Allied forces land in Turkey; heavy casualties follow.
The Gallipoli Campaign began on April 25, 1915, with Allied landings in Ottoman Turkey to seize the Dardanelles and capture Constantinople. British, French, and ANZAC troops faced fierce resistance and harsh terrain, leading to a trench warfare stalemate. Failed offensives and heavy casualties forced an Allied withdrawal by January 1916. Though a defeat, the campaign shaped national identity in Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey, marking the rise of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. -
German U-boat sinks RMS Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans. The attack caused international outrage and fueled anti-German sentiment, especially in the U.S. Though the U.S. remained neutral, the sinking increased tensions and highlighted the dangers of unrestricted submarine warfare. Germany claimed the ship carried war materials, but the high civilian toll drew global condemnation. -
Italy joins the Allies and declares war on Austria-Hungary.
On May 23, 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, joining the Allies in World War I. Though part of the Triple Alliance, Italy remained neutral in 1914. The shift came after the Treaty of London promised territorial gains from Austria-Hungary. Italy’s entry opened a new front along the mountainous border, significantly impacting the course of the war. -
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Brusilov Offensive: Russia’s most successful offensive against Austria-Hungary.
The Brusilov Offensive, from June 4 to September 20, 1916, was a major Russian attack against Austria-Hungary in Galicia and Volhynia (now western Ukraine). Led by General Aleksey Brusilov, it broke through Austro-Hungarian lines, causing heavy losses and territorial gains. The offensive forced Germany to shift troops to the Eastern Front, weakening Austria-Hungary and contributing to its eventual collapse, though it did not decisively end the war in the east. -
German and Austro-Hungarian forces continue harsh repression of occupied populations, especially in Belgium and Eastern Europe.
In 1915, German and Austro-Hungarian forces intensified repression in occupied Belgium and Eastern Europe. In Belgium, atrocities known as the "Rape of Belgium" included executions, forced labor, and deportations. In Serbia, harsh military rule led to village burnings, mass deportations, and ethnic persecution. These actions aimed to suppress resistance, exploit resources, and maintain control, fueling anti-German sentiment and Allied propaganda. -
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1916 – Bloodiest Battles
the 3rd year of The Great War -
February–December 1916 – Battle of Verdun: Over 700,000 casualties; France holds the line.
The Battle of Verdun, fought from February 21 to December 18, 1916, was a brutal clash between French and German forces near Verdun, France. Germany aimed to bleed France through relentless attacks, but French troops, led by General Pétain, fiercely defended the city. The battle became a prolonged war of attrition, causing about 700,000 casualties on both sides. Despite no clear winner, Verdun symbolized the immense sacrifice and horrors of trench warfare in WWI. -
Battle of Jutland: Largest naval battle between Britain and Germany.
The Battle of Jutland, fought May 31 to June 1, 1916, was WWI’s largest naval clash between Britain’s Grand Fleet and Germany’s High Seas Fleet in the North Sea. Although Germany sank more ships, Britain maintained naval dominance and its blockade of Germany. Thanks to British codebreaking, the Royal Navy anticipated German moves. The battle involved around 250 ships and 100,000 men, ending tactically inconclusive but strategically favoring the Allies. -
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The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme, fought from July 1 to November 18, 1916, was one of WWI’s deadliest battles, with over one million casualties. It marked the first use of tanks by the British on September 15, though their impact was limited. Intended as a major Allied offensive, the battle became a brutal war of attrition with massive losses, especially on the first day. The Somme symbolizes the extreme human cost and harsh realities of trench warfare during the conflict. -
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1917 – Shifts in Power and Policy
The 4th year of the great war -
Russian Tsar abdicates after mass protests: the Russian Revolution begins.
On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending the 300 year old Romanov dynasty amid the February Revolution's widespread unrest. His abdication led to the creation of a provisional government aiming to reform Russia. However, political instability continued, sparking a civil war between Bolsheviks and opponents that ultimately led to the Soviet Union’s rise. This event was a key moment in Russia’s revolutionary period. -
United States declares war on Germany, responding to unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram.
On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, entering World War I. This decision was triggered by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, which threatened American lives and trade, and the exposure of the Zimmermann Telegram. The telegram revealed Germany’s proposal to Mexico for an alliance, promising the return of lost territories if Mexico attacked the US. These events shifted public opinion and led Congress to approve the war declaration. -
Battle of Vimy Ridge: Key Canadian victory.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought from April 9-12, 1917, was a major Canadian victory on the Western Front, marking the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together. Under General Julian Byng, they captured the heavily fortified ridge from German forces, a feat previous French and British troops had failed to achieve. Despite heavy casualties, the victory boosted Canadian national pride and is seen as a key moment in Canada’s nationhood, commemorated by the Vimy Memorial. -
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Third Battle of Ypres: Heavy rain, mud, and massive casualties.
The Third Battle of Ypres (July 31–Nov 6, 1917), or Passchendaele, was a brutal WWI campaign in Belgium’s Ypres salient. The Allies aimed to capture high ground, push toward the Belgian coast, and disrupt German submarines. Despite some gains, the offensive faced horrific mud and heavy casualties estimated to be 300,000 to 500,000 symbolizing trench warfare’s futility. Key battles included Pilckem Ridge, Menin Road, and the final capture of Passchendaele village by Canadian forces. -
Bulgaria surrenders
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Austria-Hungary surrenders
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November 7, 1917 – Bolshevik Revolution: Lenin takes power in Russia.
On November 7, 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew Russia’s Provisional Government in the October Revolution. They seized key sites in Petrograd and declared power transferred to the Soviets workers, soldiers, and peasants councils. Lenin became head of the new Soviet government, marking the start of the world’s first communist state. This event reshaped Russia and had a lasting global impact on politics and ideology. -
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1918 – Collapse of the Central Powers
6th year of the great war -
Battle of Amiens: Start of the Hundred Days Offensive.
The Hundred Days Offensive lasted 95 days, from the Battle of Amiens on August 8, 1918, to the Armistice on November 11, 1918. By summer 1918, the Allies dominated the skies, with British, French, and American aircraft sometimes outnumbering German planes five to one. This air superiority was crucial in supporting ground offensives and contributed to the final push that ended World War I. -
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Central Powers begin surrendering
Everyone except Germany surrenders -
Ottoman Empire surrenders
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Armistice signed in Compiègne, France: Fighting ends at 11 a.m.
On November 11, 1918, at 5:45 AM, the Armistice was signed in Compiègne, France, ending fighting on the Western Front. Hostilities ceased at 11:00 AM the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” This day is commemorated worldwide as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day. The Armistice, initially for 36 days and later extended, required Germany to withdraw troops and surrender weapons, marking the effective end of World War I combat. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk: Russia officially exits the war.
On March 3, 1918, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed, marking Russia's official exit from World War I. Signed between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers, it forced Russia to cede large territories like Ukraine, Poland, the Baltic states, and parts of Belarus. The treaty also recognized the independence of Ukraine, Georgia, and Finland. It reflected Russia's internal chaos after the Revolution and was later nullified by the November 1918 Armistice. -
The War Officially Ends
The Treaty of Versailles ended WWI, blaming Germany for the war and imposing harsh penalties. Germany had to pay reparations, lose territory like Alsace-Lorraine, and limit its military. The “war guilt clause” caused deep resentment. The treaty created the League of Nations to prevent future wars, but the U.S. didn’t join, weakening it. These terms fueled German anger, contributing to the outbreak of WWII. -
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March–July 1918 – German Spring Offensives: Germany’s final push on the Western Front.
The German Spring Offensive of 1918, or Kaiserschlacht, lasted from March 21 to July 18. It began with Operation Michael, aiming to break Allied lines in northern France, achieving initial gains but no decisive victory. Subsequent attacks. Operations Georgette, Blücher-Yorck, and Gneisenau tried to push toward Paris but faltered due to heavy losses and logistical issues. The arrival of fresh American troops helped the Allies counterattack starting July 18, ending Germany’s offensive. -
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Second Battle of the Marne: German advance is reversed.
The Second Battle of the Marne was the last major German offensive on the Western Front and a key turning point in WWI. The Germans aimed to break through and capture Paris but were halted by strong Allied resistance, especially French and American forces. On July 18, the Allies launched a counteroffensive, pushing the Germans back across the Marne. Fresh U.S. troops, tank warfare, and combined arms tactics helped secure a decisive Allied victory, shifting momentum toward the Allies.