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WWI
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Archduke Assassination
Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were shot on June 28, 1914. The killer was Gavrilo Princip, who was from a terrorist group. This led to the start of the war. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Germans were currently in the middle of submarine warfare with Great Britain. When the Lusitania was seen it was torpedoed and sank, killing over 1000 people from the ship. This led to the US entry into the war and was used for recruitment in other countries as well. -
Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun was a long and tiring war. It took place on the Western Front between the French and Germans. In the end of the bloody war, with over 70,000 casualties a month, the French held the Germans back for 303 days. -
Battle of Jutland
This was the biggest naval battle in the war between the Germans and British. In the end of the war both sides claimed victory. The British contained Germany but lost twice as many ships and sailors. -
Battle of the Somme
This was one of the bloodiest and largest battles in the war. What was thought to be an easy win for the allies, had over a million casualties. It is notable because of its use of air force, and the first use of the tank. -
US joins war
The US finally joined the allied forces in April of 1917. More than 2 million troops fought under command of John Pershing. The public opinion was not with joining the war at all times. Most people wanted to stay neutral. -
Second Battle of the Marne
This battle was a German offensive towards the end of the war. The attack failed when French and American counter attacked and overwhelmed them. This major defeat lead to the surrender months later. -
Battle of St. Miheil
The plan of the attack was to break through and capture Metz, a fortified city. It was launched solo by the US and caught Germans retreating. The US against a disorganized German army turned out better than the battle was planned originally. -
Austria-Hungary surrenders
Austria-Hungary was the first in the war. After 4 years of fighting, and many casualties they were done. They signed an armistice with Italy. -
End of WW1
After Austria-Hungary surrendered on Nov 3, the Germans fought just a bit longer before they were ready. They signed the armistice of Compiègne at 6 am. The fighting stopped at 11am, the allies won.
