World War I
World War I was also known as The First World War, The Great War, and "The War to End All Wars" (which was once said by H.G. Wells).
Summary By Years
1914
Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and wife, Sophie, are assassinated June 28, while visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia. Gavrilo Princip, the assassin, is a Serbian. Austria-Hungary later declares war on Bosnia and on Russia (which fights in defense of Serbia). Germany fights in defense for Austria-Hungary, and does Turkey. Belgium and Britain join forces with Serbia.
Belgium, France, Russia, Serbia, and Britain become known as the Allies. The Allies predict the war will be over by Christmas.
Fighting begins, and Belgium and France use trench warfare for the first time in history.
In the Battle of the Marne, the Allies abruptly stop the Germans, temporarily protecting France.
Russian General Samsonov commits suicide after failing to invade Germany and losing 120,000 of his own men.
By the end of the year, there are thousands of casualties.
1915
For the first time ever, Germany uses poisonous gas in war in the Battle of the Ypres (clorine gas). The Germans wore protective masks to keep themselves from dying too.
Russia attempts to keep Germany out of Poland, and it is successful as Bulgaria aids Germany in the overtake and also the capture of Serbia.
British nurse named Edith Cavell, head of the Brussels School of Nursing, is killed by the Germans for helping British soldiers to escape.
British liner Lusitania, largest passenger ship in the world, is sunk by a German U-boat (submarine). Lusitania was unarmed and carries 2,000 passengers and crew members. Most die, and nearly 130 are Americans.
Italy joins the Alliese and declares war on Austria-Hungary.
1916
The only major naval battle of the war, the Battle of Jutland, is undecided.
France experiences hundreds of casualties at Verdun. Germans used flamethrowers and gas shells in their attacks. Nearly two million die as the Allies attack at the Somme, in attempt to relieve soldiers at Verdun.
British secretary of war, Lord Kitchener, is drowned when his ship hits a mine. David Lloyd George replaces him.
In September, the Allies introduce a new invention/ weapon: the tank.
Russia gains 60,000 miles and 400,000 prisoners in their attack on Austria.
President Wilson is reelected under his slogan "He kept us out of the war."
1917
V.I. Lenin and the Bolsheviks overtake the government and sign armistice with Germany. Russia is now out of the war.
After three years of trying to stay out of the war, Wilson and the US finally declare war on the Germans. Millions of Americans elist in the army and travel to the Western Front.
The Italians experience defeat at Caporetto, where the Germans and Austria-Hungary gain huge tracts of land. Remaining Italian soldiers retreat, leaving their weapons on the battlefield.
China declares war on Germany and Austria.
Germany creates the Hindenburg Line, a 31-mile system of trenches with concrete dugouts, barbed wire, and access to railroads for supplies.
The Red Cross receives the Nobel Peace Prize for its volunteer work on the battlefields of the world.
1918
President Wilson outlines Fourteen Points for peace, including formation of a League of Nations to protect independence for all nations.
The Germans make two offensives, first one being at the Marne, where Allies once again defend themselves with more heavy casualties. The other offensive was at the Lys River in Belgium.
Thousands of American troops arrive in France. A series of counterattacks lead to more Allies victories.
The Red Baron, the ace German pilot, is killed. The Allies pay tribute to his skill and to him, although he was an enemy.
Hundreds of Germans surrender in the face of intense attacks by Allied planes and tanks.
Austria-Hungary becomes a republic and is out of the war.
An epidemic of influenza spreads throughout the world, causing millions more deaths.
Nicholas, the former tsar of Russia, and his family are executed by the Bolsheviks.
At 11 am, on the eleventh day of the month, an armistice is signed by the Allies and Germany. THE FOUR YEAR WAR IS OVER. France and Belgium have been nearly destroyed.
1919
Terms for peace are agreed by the victorious nations at the Palace of Versailles. President Wilson urges the creation of a League of Nations. It calls for Germany to pay for 33 million dollars to the Allies in reparations and to reduce its army and arsenal of weapons. Poland is made an independent country.
THE ALLIES WON