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The Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand
The Archduke of Austria-Hungary Francis Ferdinand was assassinated when he went on a trip to Sarajevo. Austria thought that the killer was linked to Serbian nationalists. This was an important event because it sparked resentment and anger between the countries.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/archduke-franz-ferdinand-assassinated -
Austria Declares War on Serbia
Austria declared war on Serbia because Serbia refused to meet all of Austria's demands. This was an important event because the allies of Austria wanted to help protect them. Allies of Serbia tried to protect Serbia. More and more countries got involved and the the military was strong which led to a larger war. -
Britain Warns Germany About Neutrality
Britain tells Germany that they can't remain neutral in the war. Britain declares war on Germany because Germany had attacked France through Belgium. Britain signed the Treaty of Paris that stated that they would protect them from enemies so they had to go to war. -
Germany Declares War on France
Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium. Britain gives Germany and ultimatum, declaring that they should withdraw from Belgium. Germany ignores the threat and war begins. This was important because it shows that Britain and France were allies and that they would protect each other no matter who it was up against. -
The United States Declare Neutrality
The United States declared neutrality because most Americans thought that we should stay out of it. The United States was not a part of Europe and was not a part of the alliances or treaties. Eventually the U.S. joined the war to try to promote peace. -
Australia Supports Great Britain
Australia declared their support for Great Britain by saying that they would support them with every man that they had, if need be. This was important for Britain because they had strong allies in the war. Britain would also protect them if they ever needed help so that is why many chose to side with them. -
The Russians were Defeated at the Battle of Tannenberg
The German Army took the Russians by surprise. Some of the Russian troops were fighting in other battles so they didn't have the full army to take on the Germans. The Russians had to admit defeat after 50,000 soldiers were killed in the battle. This was important for the Germans and their allies because that was a big accomplishment for them. -
Battle of Ypres
The Battle of Ypres was the first battle in which the Germans used poison gas. The British ended up losing a lot of men. Eventually there was a second battle of Ypres. -
Italy Joins the War With the Allies
Italy claimed that it was neutral at the beginning of WWI. Italy's leaders had considered which side they should join with. They decided to join the allies because of the Treaty of London. This was important because it shows that neutral countries still joined the war for selfish reasons. -
The Battle of the Somme
The Battle of the Somme began because the French wanted to weaken the German army.. In just 4 months the British suffered around 420,000 casualties the French had 200,000 but the Germans suffered the most coming away with 500,000 casualties. This was important because it was a huge loss for both sides.
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/battle-of-the-somme -
New Tanks
The British employed the first tanks ever used in battle, at Delville Wood. The tanks were useful at breaking through barbed wire fence and clearing a path for the infantry, tanks were still primitive and they failed to be the decisive weapon, as their designers thought they would be. -
The U.S. Declares War on Germany
The U.S. declared war on Germany because we wanted to protect democracy for the rest of the world. This was important because the United States didn't want to get involved at first, but it was inevitable because we wanted to protect ourselves and our allies. -
Treaty of San Stefano
The treaty of San Stefano was a peace settlement that disrupted the Ottoman government. The treaty also recognized the independence of Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania. This was important because the treaty was opposed by Austria- Hungary and was eventually reformed and made into the Treaty of Berlin. -
Selective Service Act
Congress passes the Selective Service Act authorizing the draft. It was criticized for destroying democracy at home while fighting for it abroad, President Wilson claimed that he saw no other option and signed the bill into law. -
Christmas Truce
German and British soldiers had a Christmas truce. All of the shooting stopped and the soldiers exchanged gifts and played games. This only lasted for Christmas, however, and the fighting resumed the next day. This is important because it shows that they were still people and they cared about each other.
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/christmas-truce-of-1914
