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Allies
The Alliances for WWI include the Triple Alliance and the Allies. The Triple Alliance included Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. The Allies consist of France, Britain, and Russia. Most of the alliances were already in place before the war even broke out; they were all formed in the time period of 1880's-1905's. -
Military Pets
Horses were heavily used in WWI, primarily for source of transport for the weapons. Pigeons were also surprisingly crucial because their speed and flying at great heights. Pigeons would deliver messages. They would use dogs as messengers as well. Dogs could also find wounded soldiers and detect nearby enemies. -
Poppy Flower
The Poppy flower was one of the only plants to grow on the battlefield. The Poppy now symbolizes WWI on veterans day. The Poppy flower symbolizes death, life and remembrance of WWI. -
Asassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was shot dead. This assassination triggered WWI. Austria- Hungary declares war on Serbia; then on August 1 Germany declares war on Russia. -
Trenches
The first trenches were dug on the western front by the Allied and German forces. The reason trenches were came about was to protect themselves from artillery. The Space between the trenches was called "no man's land". -
New Weapons
In April 1915, the Germans used poison gas near Ypres. In 1915, the British introduced the armored tank into battle. The first aircraft in war was used in WWI. Other new weapons include barbed wire, machine guns, and artillery. -
Poison Gas
In April 15, the germans first used the poison gas. the fumes side effects included vomiting, blindness, and suffocation. Soon afterwards the Allies also began using poison gas. Both sides eventually came up with the creation of the gas mask. -
British Ship Sunk
The British ship "lusitania" was sunk by a German submarine. It KIlled 1,200 passengers, and 128 Americans. America almost declared war on Germany at this time but President Wilson KEpt peace. Wilson got Germany to not sink any boats with their submarines without notifying the US. -
Camp Life
William is writing a letter to his mom telling her how he is gradually getting used to camp life. He would rather be home with her, but he thinks that if he just takes orders it'll be much more pleasant. Bean won't be getting out for at least another 2 weeks and will be the first out of 28 Christmas's he'll be away from his family. -
Christmas
Bean is writing to his mother about his Christmas away from his family. He mentions that the Christmas dinner had everything he could ever think of. He says there is no happiness or joy in the army. He's happy in well though, and he's in good health. -
Mothers Day Update
Bean writing to his mother sending his love and flowers. He thinks he's going to be shipped out because they're losing a great deal of men. The US's submarines are failing in war at this time. His French skills aren't going so either, with his lesson. He spends a lot of time at the YMCA and it's a very important place to him; they put skits on and picture shows. -
Germany Surrenders
All of Germany's Alliances have surrendered. Groups of workers and soldiers seize power in German towns. The German Emperor decided to step down Nov. 9; Germany republic took over. The government signed an Armistice, a stop fighting agreement. -
Coming Home
Bean is 'homeward bound' on the good ship U.S.S. New Hampshire. He's very happy to go home after 9 months in France. All the soldiers around him were getting sea sick and he did not. On the ship home they ate eggs, bacon, pork chops, sausage, coffee, milk, sugar, bread, and butter; which was great after 9 months of canned Willie. -
3 Orginal Discharges
1.) William James Bean #630015a corparal of Hbgrs Company of the 59th Artillery C. HC. Dated Washington DC April 15, 1919. Signed C.E. Gray.
2.)A discharge by the Home service section, Syracuse Branon American Red Cross dated March 15, 1919. Signed FC.
3.)Record of an enlisted man with seal from the commisiaur of Deeds. Camp Upton Long island, New York. -
Treaty of Versailles
A peace treaty to end WWI signed 28 June, 1919. They forced Germany to take full responsibility of the war. Germany's military was restricted, they lost control of colonies also. Germany was very angry.
