1914
Germany signed an armistice with the Allies, effectively ending World War I. The fighting stopped at 11:00 AM, marking the end of "the war to end all wars."
November 11: Armistice Day
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated in Sarajevo by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip. This event triggered a chain reaction of alliances and ultimately led to the start of World War I.
June 28: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
A German U-boat torpedoed the British passenger ship, killing 1,198 passengers, including 128 Americans. This event turned American public opinion against Germany and contributed to the U.S. eventually entering the war.
May 7: Sinking of the Lusitania
The U.S. Congress declared war on Germany, bringing American military power, resources, and industrial might into the Allied cause. This dramatically shifted the balance of power in the war.
April 6: U.S. Enters WWI
Major European powers joined the conflict through their alliance systems. Germany invaded Luxembourg and Belgium, Britain declared war on Germany, and France entered the war, transforming a local conflict into a continental war.
August 2-10: Mobilizations and Declarations of war
Germany announced unrestricted submarine warfare around British waters. This new naval strategy marked a significant technological advancement in warfare but caused international controversy
February 18: German U-Boat Campaign Begins
Germany announced it would sink all ships in British waters without warning. This decision directly led to the United States breaking diplomatic relations with Germany.
February 1: Germany Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Following the assassination, This marked the official beginning of World War I and activated a complex system of international alliances.
July 28: Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
The longest and one of the bloodiest battles of WWI between German and French forces. It became a symbol of French determination and resulted in approximately 700,000 casualties.
February 21-December 18: Battle of Verdun
Russia signed a peace treaty with Germany, ending Russian participation in WWI. This allowed Germany to focus its forces on the Western Front.
March 3: Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
French and British forces halted the German advance toward Paris. This battle ended Germany's hopes for a quick victory and led to the establishment of trench warfare on the Western Front.
September 9: First Battle of the Marne
One of the largest battles of WWI, resulting in over one million casualties. The battle introduced tanks to warfare and became synonymous with the futility and horror of trench warfare.
July 1 - November 19: Battle of the Somme
Germany launched its final major offensive on the Western Front. Though initially successful, the offensive ultimately failed and exhausted German resources.
March 21: Spring Offensive