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The Allies
France and Britain signed an entente which is a nonbinding agreement to follow common policies and later Britain signed something similar with Russia. This is important because these agreements led way to their alliance during the war. When the war began, they were known as the Allies -
The Central Powers
Bismarck formed the Triple Alliance with Italy and Austria-Hungary. He formed the alliance because he knew that France would not attack without help so he decided to sign treaties with other powers. When the war began, Germany and Austria-Hungary fought on the same side. This is important because this alliance led to Germany and Austria-Hungary fighting on the same side which led them to be called the Central Powers. -
Technology of the war
New weapons were invented such as machines guns and rapid-fire artillery guns. The rapid-fire artillery gun could fire 600 bullets per minute with a range of 1,000 yards. These weapons are important because it made fighting wars easier and more efficient. Soldier could fire twice as much with less time.
[https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I/Technology-of-war-in-1914] -
Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand
Francis Ferdinand and his wife drove through Sarajevo in an open car. Garvrilo Princip took a chance and fired twice into the car. This event is important because it was the last straw for Austria with the Serbian terrorists. After the assassination, they declared war on Serbia. -
Austria-Hungary declares war
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia because of the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand. This is important because the peace between Europe's great powers collapsed and it was the start of World War 1. -
First Battle of the Marne
French and British forces confronted the invading Germany army. Germany was defeated which meant that there would be no quick victory for Germany. This is important because it showed how slow the rest of the war in this part was going to go.
[http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history] -
Women join the War effort
Women took over the jobs of men as they left to fight. They worked in war industries manufacturing weapons and supplies. Women also joined women's branches of the armed forces. Nurses shared dangers of the men they tended to. This was important because war work gave women a new sense of pride and confidence and without their help, many industries would have failed. -
Revolution in Russia
The public became angry from hearing of stories of incompetent generals. Bread riots erupted into a revolution that brought down the Russian monarchy. The Allies hoped Russia would become democratic and become a stronger ally. Lenin came into power and pulled Russia from participating in the war. This is important because it allowed Germany to focus their troops on the Western Front. -
Sinking by U-boat
Germany used lethal U-boat submarines to fight back against Britain's naval army. Germany sunk the British ocean liner Lusitania which brought Americans to want to get involved. Germany sunk four more U.S. merchant ships before Woodrow Wilson declared war against Germany. This is important because the U.S. entered the war. -
Battle of Caporetto
Germany reinforcements helped Austria-Hungary with a victory. After the battle, Italy's allies offered assistance. British, French, and American troops arrived in the region to take back initiative on the Italian Front. This is important because Americans were getting involved in the war. -
Lenin calls a halt to Russian participation
One of Lenin's first actions as leader was to call a halt to the participation of Russia in World War 1. Russia reached an armistice with the Central Powers which freed Germany to put their troops on the Western Front. This is important because it allowed Germany to focus their attention on the Western Front. -
Second Battle of the Marne
German troops under Erich von Ludendorff launched an offensive attack against French forces. The Allies put back the German offensive and launched their own counteroffensive three days later. Ludendorff was forced to call off the offensive due to massive casualties. This is important because it was the last German offensive of the war. -
End of World War 1
Germany was forced to seek an armistice when faced with dwindling resources and the surrender of its allies. This is important because it marked the end of World War 1.
[http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history] -
The Versailles Treaty
It brought about the end of World War 1. Although the armistice ended the actual fighting, it took six months after to conclude the peace treaty. This is important because it brought about an end to World War 1. -
The League of Nations
The League of Nations was established during the Paris Peace Conference. More than 40 nations joined the League and they agreed to negotiate disputes rather than resort to war. The U.S. Senate didn't agree with the treaty and the United States never joined the League. This is important because without the U.S. in the League, it was weak and could not prevent war.
