WW1 Timeline - Eshan Kumar

WW1 Series of Events

Eshan Kumar

Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand

This was a key event that sparked WW1, where Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosian-Serb. Gavrilo was a Bosian-Serb nationalist who sought to bring together and unite ethnic Serbs under Serbia's control.

June 28, 1914

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Germany's Invasion of Belgium

Tension internationally grew, and as a result, Germany was planning to invade France. But, Belgium and Luxembourg, originally neutral to the conflicts, refused access to Germany to cross their borders, leading the invasion of these countries instead

August 4th, 1914

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Sinking of the Lusitania

British Ocean Liner, Lusitania, was sunk by a German U-boat. There were more than a thousand civilians on that ship, and 123 American citizens died. This started was would build upon the U.S.'s desire to enter the war

May 7th, 1915

Zimmermann Telegram

Zimmermann of Germany proposed to Mexico that they infiltrate the U.S., in exchange he said Mexico would gain back Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, plus ample resources to use in order to take over these territories.

Jan 15th, 1917

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Committee of Public Information

This was an independent agency of the U.S. under the Wilson administration. It was created to influence the people of the U.S. to support war efforts. This was done through propaganda and a multitude of other influences.

April 13th, 1917

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Cont.

Eshan Kumar

United States Joins War

After years of neutrality, following Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the infamous Zimmermann Telegram. American involvement shifted the balance of power in favor of the Allies.

April 6th, 1917

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Selective Service Act

The Selective Service Act, also known as the draft, authorized the U.S. government to raise a national army for World War I through conscription. It was a significant departure from America's tradition of voluntary enlistment and played a crucial role in mobilizing manpower for the war effort.

May 18th, 1917

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Espionage Act

The act was passed by the United States Congress, and aimed at punishing acts of espionage, sabotage, and sedition during wartime. It was used to prosecute individuals who opposed American involvement in World War I or criticized the government's war efforts, leading to controversial limitations on freedom of speech and press.

June 15t, 1917

Russian Revolution

A pair of revolutions in Russia that dismantled the Tsarist autocracy and led to the rise of the Soviet Union. The February Revolution resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, while the October Revolution, led by the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin, established a communist government.

1917

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Wilson's Fourteen Points Speech

President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points speech outlined his vision for a post-World War I world, emphasizing principles such as self-determination, free trade, disarmament, and the creation of an international organization (League of Nations) to maintain peace and security.

Jan 8th, 1918

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Cont.

Influenza Pandemic

The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, known as the Spanish flu, was a global outbreak that coincided with the final stages of World War I. It disproportionately affected young adults, including soldiers, and severely strained medical resources, contributing to the overall chaos of the war.

1918

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Sedition Act

It was a controversial law passed by the United States Congress, which made it illegal to criticize the government, the Constitution, the flag, or the military during wartime. It was used to suppress dissent and anti-war sentiments, leading to violations of free speech rights.

May 16th, 1918

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Meuse-Argonne Offensive

The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest American military operation of World War I, aimed at breaking through the German defenses on the Western Front. It led to significant casualties on both sides but ultimately played a crucial role in ending the war.

Sep 26th, 1918

Armstice Day

Armistice Day, observed on November 11th, marks the end of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. It paved the way for the formal end of the war with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

Nov 11th, 1918

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Treaty of Versailies

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace settlement that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy penalties on Germany and redrawing national boundaries in Europe. It sought to prevent future conflicts but contributed to long-term resentment and instability, paving the way for World War II.

June 28th, 1919

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Cont.

Formation of the League of Nations

The League of Nations was founded in 1920 as a result of the Paris Peace Conference following World War I, with the aim of preventing future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. Although it had noble intentions, the League faced challenges and ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of World War II.

Jan 20th, 1920

Tension internationally grew, and as a result, Germany was planning to invade France. But, Belgium and Luxembourg, originally neutral to the conflicts, refused access to Germany to cross their borders, leading the invasion of these countries instead

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