-
Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
On June 28, 1914 Franz Ferdinand who was the Archduke of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Saravej. He was killed by Gavrillo Princip, who was then caught and sentenced to 20 years. This caused tensions between the European powers to increase. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
On July 28, 1914 Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia. They had a lot of support by Germany, but also a lot of countries coming to the defense of Serbia. Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy formed the Triple Alliance, while Russia, France, and Great Britain formed the triple entente. -
Great Britain joins the war and declares war on Germany
On August 4th, 1914 Great Britain declares war on Germany after they invaded Belgium. Germany had previously invaded France through Belgium. The fact that they're both in an alliance and that Britain's port is right next to Belgium cause Great Britain to declare war on Germany. -
Germany introduces chemical warfare
On April 22, 1915 Germany introduces chemical warfare and starts using chlorine gas. They first used it during the 2nd Battle of Ypres against the Algerians and French. The Germans however, were not prepared for the success of the attack so they didn't have a plan for invading that side. This allowed the French to rush reinforcements, at the cost of high casualties. -
Italy leaves the Triple Alliance
On April 26, 1915 England holds a secret meeting with Italian representatives, and convinces them to switch sides. Italy agreed to this in return for some land taken from Germany. Another thing Italy gained from this was a payment of a lot of money. -
Britain introduces conscription
Britain introduced and began using a thing called conscription, which would require single men from 18 to 41 to sing up for the armed forces. There were many who were exempt from this like: the medically unfit, teachers, or clergymen. People who opposed this because of their moral beliefs were given civilian jobs at the front. -
Britain introduces it's first tanks
General Sir Douglas Haig had ordered the use of tanks even though he was advised to wait until they could be used as a group. He didn't care about that, and successfully captured 2km of German territory. Even though the assault was successful, most of the tanks broke down and they could keep up with the attacking Germans effectively losing to them. -
US declares war on Germany
Woodrow Wilson had put a request to go to war with Germany, and was then accepted by the Senate. The U.S. sends it troops over to Europe to help fight against Germany. -
St-Mihiel Salient
Morris Albert Martin had been sent over to St-Mihiel Salient. They were to be the reserves of the First American Army. After three days the Salient had lost and the 91st Division of the American Army had been sent back without seeing any action. -
Paris Peace Conference
On January 12, 1919 the Paris Peace Conference held which included the 5 countries that had a major role in defeating Germany, those being Great Britain, the United States of America, Japan, France, and Italy. -
Treaty of Versailles
On June 28, 1919 the Treaty of Versailles was signed which forced Germany to surrender and give up some colonies, as well as paying reparations for the war which was around £6.6 Billion. This also put a lot of restrictions on Germany like not being able to have a big military.
