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Assassination of Archduke
Archduke Franz Ferdinand heir to Austria-Hungary throne and his wife Sophie were assassinated. They were assassinated by serbian nationialis Gavrillio Princip. This sparked WW1. -
Period: to
ww1
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Russia mobilizes
Russia mobilizes its vast army to intervene against Austria-Hungary in favor of its ally, serbia. This moves starts a chain reaction that leads to the mobilization of European powers. This also lead to the outbreak of hostilities. -
Germans Fire
The Germans fire shells filled with chlorine gas at Allied lines. This is the first time that large amounts of gas are used in battle. The Germans failed to take advantage against the French. -
Submarines
Reacting to the Lusitania where 108 americans died, Kaiser Willhelm suspends unrestricted submarine warfare. This is an attempt to keep the United States out of the war. This hampers German efforts to prevent American supplies from reaching France and Britain. -
First Tanks
The British employ the first tanks ever used in battle, at Delville Wood. They are useful for breaking through barbed wire and clearing a path. They are not a decisive weapon as their designers had thought. -
Zimmerman Telegram
British intelligence gives Wilson the Zimmerman telegram saying that Mexico side with Germany in case of war between Germany and the United States. In return Germany would give Mexico Texas. This pushed American opinion toward entering the war. -
Selective Service
Congress passes the selective service act authorizing the draft. This was criticized fo destroying democracy at home while fighting for it abroad. President Wilson sees no other option and signs the bill into law. -
Under Age entry
Frank Buckles entered the U.S. regular Army at the age of 16. He lied to officials saying that he was 21. He would be part of the Ft. Riley detatchment of 102 men. -
Local Connection
Frank Buokles went to to Ft. Riley, Kansas for training. In December 1917 with the first Ft. Riley casual detatchment of 102 men sailed from Hoboken, NJ to Europe without an escort. He did this in the vessel that rescued survivors of the Titanic. -
Buckles Aquaintence
Frank met with James Potter. James is from Providence, RI. They met while serving in England. -
Buckles Responsibilities
He pestered his officers to be shipped to France.Whiile over seas Frank would drive ambulances in France and England. During the occupation he guarded German prisoners. -
Battle of Cantigny
The battle of Cantigny is the first major american offensive of the war. It was small in scale. The americans fought bravely and soon go on to larger attacks. -
Battle of Belleau Wood
The battle begins as the U.S. Marine Corps attack the Germans across a field of wheat. the expulsion of Germans from the wood caused the furthest Germans advance on Paris. The battle caused 10,000 american casualities. -
Armistice Day
An Armistice is signed ending fighting on the western front. This ws signed between the Allies of World War 1 and Germany in France. This is now Veterans Day. -
After Armistice
Frank returned to the U.S. in "BOGAHONTIS" and discharged at Camp Pike, Nov 12, 1919. He was given a payment of $143.90 and a $60 bonus. He would be the last known surviovor of WW1 living to be 110 years old.
