WWI TIMELINE

Lucy Flores Chapa - 8B

World War I - Timeline

January 10th, 1920

June 28th, 1919

November 11th, 1918

March 21st, 1918

April 6th, 1917

July 1st, 1916

February 21st, 1916

May 7th, 1915

July 28th, 1914

June 28th, 1914

Allied offensive begins the Battle of the Somme.

The Battle of the Somme began on July 1, 1916, with a massive Allied offensive against German positions along the Western Front during World War I. British and French forces launched a coordinated attack with the aim of relieving pressure on the French at Verdun and breaking through German lines. The battle started with a week-long artillery bombardment, followed by a series of infantry assaults. The Battle of the Somme became one of the bloodiest battles in history, with both sides suffering significant losses.

Germany begins its final offen- sive of the war.

In 1918, Germany launched its final offensive of World War I, known as the Spring Offensive or the Kaiserschlacht (Kaiser's Battle). The German army launched a series of coordinated attacks along the Western Front, aiming to achieve a decisive victory before the arrival of American troops in large numbers. The offensive initially caused widespread panic; however, this didn't last long as the Germans faced logistical challenges and exhausted troops. The Spring Offensive ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, and it marked the beginning of the end for Germany in World War I.

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, beginning World War I.

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This event ignited a series of alliances and escalations across Europe, ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War I.

Archduke Francis Ferdinand is assassinated.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The assassination was carried out by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist group called the Black Hand. The assassination set off a chain of events that ultimately led to World War I. Franz Ferdinand's assassination is often seen as the catalyst for the war, as it prompted Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia.

Germany signs the Armistice at Compiègne.

On November 11, 1918, Germany signed the Armistice at Compiègne, effectively ending World War I. The armistice agreement was signed between the Allies and Germany in a railway carriage in the forest of Compiègne, France. The armistice paved the way for peace negotiations, ultimately resulting in the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which officially ended the war and imposed harsh penalties on Germany. The signing of the Armistice at Compiègne marked the end of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.

The United States declare war on Germany.

On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany, officially entering World War I. This decision came after a series of provocations, including unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany attempted to enlist Mexico as an ally against the United States. The U.S. entry into the war significantly bolstered the Allied cause and contributed to the eventual defeat of the Central Powers.

Germany begins the attack on Verdun.

In 1916, Germany launched a massive offensive against the French fortress city of Verdun during WWI. The battle lasted for months, characterized by intense fighting and heavy casualties on both sides. Germany's goal was to bleed the French army dry and break its morale, but the French ultimately defended Verdun, repelling the German advance. This was one of the longest and most grueling battles of World War I.

Allied and German representatives sign treaty of Versailles.

On June 28, 1919, Allied Powers and Germany gathered at the Palace of Versailles, France, to sign the Treaty of Versailles and officially ending World War I. The treaty imposed severe penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and significant reparations payments. The signing marked the culmination of months of negotiations aimed at establishing a lasting peace in Europe.

Treaty of Versailles takes effect.

After the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, it took effect and officially ended World War I. The treaty imposed significant penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and substantial reparations payments. These terms aimed to weaken Germany militarily and economically, as well as to punish it for its role in starting the war. The Treaty of Versailles also established the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and resolving disputes diplomatically.

German submarine sinks the passenger liner Lusitania during crossing from New York to Liverpool, England.

On May 7, 1915, a German submarine sank the British passenger liner Lusitania off the coast of Ireland during its voyage from New York to Liverpool. The attack resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans. This event significantly contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I against Germany and its allies.