ww1 timeline

  • Archduke franz ferdinand is assassinated in sarajevo and starts ww1.

    Archduke franz ferdinand is assassinated in sarajevo and starts ww1.

    After Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. In August, Germany declares war on Russia and France. The United Kingdom declares war on Germany. The Battle of Tannenburg takes place, resulting in a German victory over Russia. In September, the first battle of the Marne halted the German advance on Paris. October 19-november 22, The first battle of Ypres begins, leading to the onset of trench warfare on the Western Front.
  • The German submarine U-20 sinks the British passenger liner Lusitania, killing 128 Americans.

    The German submarine U-20 sinks the British passenger liner Lusitania, killing 128 Americans.

    This was the turning point for Germany. The public opinion in the United States began to turn against Germany. The ship was hit by an exploding torpedo on its starboard side. The Torpedo blast was followed by a larger explosion. This explosion was probably the ship's boilers, and the ship sank off the south coast of Ireland in less than 20 minutes. More than 1,100 people perished, including 120 Americans. And then Italy declared war on Russia.
  • Frank Woodruff Buckles lying about his age to get into the army

    Frank was interested in what was happening in Europe. He was young, but he was still reading the newspapers and wanted to see what was happening for himself. He tried many places to get into the army but they told him he wasn't big enough. Frank had to lie about his age to get into the army. This was his first act for the army. This is where his journey begins.
  • Germany begins the battle of Verdun

    Germany begins the battle of Verdun

    The war started off with an artillery barrage of over 1,200 German guns. The Germans started this war to break the French army through a war of attrition, forcing them to put in so many resources to defend their city that they would be unable to continue fighting. The Germans made the first French trenches. The French rushed into reinforcements and organized a defence which halted the German advance and led to a brutal war of attrition. The battle lasted for 10 months. The French lost.
  • Taking prisoners back to Germany on a train

    He would take prisoners back to Germany on a train. He would then get some exercise when the train stopped, but he missed his coach car and had to ride in a freight car with the prisoners. Years later, in Brazil, he met a man who was in the same car as him.
  • Guarding German prisoners

    He would recall prisoners, he would also take american prisoners out on work detail. He remembered the guard getting drunk during the day and the prisoners carrying him back to the camp in a wheelbarrow.
  • Germany launches a major spring offensive on the western front.

    Germany launches a major spring offensive on the western front.

    The goal the Germans hoped for was to split up the Allied armies, pushing the British back to the English Channel, and force Great Britain out of the war. The offense started out with the success known as apperation michel. The Germans advanced with this. This caused heavy losses for Britain, causing a large gap in the Allied lines. Following Operation Michel, the Germans launched other operations, including Operation Georgette. This pushed the front line closer to Paris. This eventually failed.
  • The treaty of versailles is singed, formally ending the war and imposing terms on Germany.

    The treaty of versailles is singed, formally ending the war and imposing terms on Germany.

    The treaty ended ww1 and imposed harsh terms on Germany. Key provisions included Germany accepting the blame for the war under the "War guilt cause", paying massive reparations, surrendering territory, and facing severe military restrictions. The treaty also established the League of Nations, though the United States did not join it. The treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors. Germany had to pay 132 billion in damages. The German army was limited to 100,00 men.
  • Frank was working for the White Star steamship line

    Frank was working for the White Star Steamship in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked them. He was held as a prisoner for over 3 years.
  • avoiding the military after the war

    Frank went into war wanting the big picture. But he felt a sense of abandonment by people. he decited to avoid the military for futher on.