World War 1 Events

  • Revolution Overthrows Austria-Hungarian Emperor

    This is when radicals became angry and cause him to flee the country, this is important because a national government was set up in place of the Emperor.
  • France Loses Alsace & Lorraine to Germany

    A territory given to Germany by France after the Franco-German War. Significant because France lost a great a deal economically from the loss of the territory and became very anti-German.
  • Germany Officially Unified

    This is when Princes of German states came together and declared Wilhelm of Prussia emperor of the now unified Germany. significant because they were no longer fragmented and were able to act collectively as one nation.
  • Triple Alliance Formed

    The triple alliance was a secret alliance formed between Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary. This was important because it pulled people into war causing tension.
  • Russo-Japanese War

    The Russo Japanese war developed out of rivalry between Russia and Japan for dominance of Korea. This was important because it encouraged nationalism in Asia and Africa and it was the first war to use all modern technology. (Feb. 8-Sept. 5, 1905)
  • Triple Entente Alliance Formed

    Alliance or "friendly agreement" formed between Britain, Russia and France. This was important because the countries would protect each other in way.
  • Austria-Hungary Annexes Bosnia

    Significant because it upset the fragile balance of power in the Balkans which angered Serbia and Slavic nationalists throughout Europe.
  • Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated

    He was the heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne. His assassination was significant because it is likely to have been the event which caused the start of World War 1.
  • Austria Declares War on Serbia

    Significant because this was the beginning point of the First World War.
  • Schlieffen Plan Put Into Action

    This was an operational plan for an attack on France once Russia responded to international tension. This plan was important because it ensures that the war would turn into the blood bath of a general European war.
  • Ottoman--Germany Alliance Formed

    The Germans and Ottomans formed an alliance to assist in an new military force. This is important because the ottomans offed provided Germans with troops and allowed some success.
  • Japan Declares War on Germany

    This began by Japan sending an ultimatum to Germany which demanded the removal of all German ships from Japanese and Chinese water. This was significant because it later caused them to be targets and to clash with China and other countries in the Far East.
  • Battle of Tannenberg

    A battle between Russia and Germany. Hardest defeat for Russia and they never fully recovered.(Aug. 23-26, 1914)
  • Battle of Marne

    This was the first significant allied victory of World War 1. It was a fight in order to thwart Germany's plan of taking over France.(Sep. 5-12, 1914)
  • Battle of Gallipoli

    This was an unsuccessful attempt to control the sea route fro, Europe to Russia by the Allied Powers. Significant because it attempted to end the war, but failed miserably.(March 8, 1915-jan. 9,1916)
  • Russian Army out of Ammunition

    This was when the Russians ran out of ammunition while firing against Germany. This was important because it showed their lack of advancement in am uniting, and advanced machines.
  • Lusitania Sinks

    The Lusitania was a ship from America carrying 173 tons of fire arm to the British. The Germans attacked it from a U-boat which sent a torpedo causing the ship to explode. This is important because death of innocent Americans prompted Americans to join the allies against Germany.
  • Battle of Verdun

    Lengthiest battle in world history fought between Germany and the French. Lead to the beginning of other battles and showed French determination. Ended December 18, 1916.
  • Battle of Jutland

    A battle between German and British naval forces. Had the significance of being the only major naval force engagement of WW1.(May 31-June 1, 1916)
  • Battle of Somme

    This battle was one of the deadliest battle in world history. Significant because it showed the senseless slaughter which occurred during WW1. Ended November 18, 1916.
  • Zimmerman Telegraph Found

    This is when Britain found a telegraph from Germany to Mexico, persuading them to attack America, this is important because the British told America forcing them to joking Britain as an ally in war.
  • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Commences

    This is when submarines go under and attack ships from underwater without them knowing. So it is a shock for the boat that is getting attacked; this is important because it creates more ways to attack creating more war tactics and defense systems.
  • US Declares War on Germany

    This was a significant turning point in the course of WW1 because the US president, Woodrow Wilson had declared this nation neutral in the war, but was now entering the conflict.
  • Battle of Passchendaele

    Three battles fought between the Germans and Allied forces.. Significant because was done in order to stop submarine forces in the Belgium city of Ypres in West Flanders. Ended Novemeber 10, 1917.
  • Balfour Declaration

    A letter sent by Arthur Balfour to an influential Jewish family in Palestine. This was significant because it showed the British government's support of a Jewish homeland.
  • Vladimir Lenin Seizes Power in Russia

    This is significant because he takes Russia in a new direction and changes with a new type of government.
  • Bolsheviks Emerge as a Political Group

    When a new Russian Social-Democrats c Workers' Party took control of Russian Government lead by Lenin. This was significant because it changed the government in Russia and became the dominant political power.
  • October Revolution

    The October Revolution was both a military coup and a popular uprising in Russia after the February Revolution. This is important because it destroyed the Tsarit autocracy and led to the Soviet Union. Ended November 8, 1917.
  • Fourteen Points Proposed

    A list of principles for peace negotiations to end World War . Laid out an outline for the setting of unselfish peace terms which was vital for further foreign relations after WW1.
  • Russia Signed Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

    This is when Russia signed a treaty with central powers like Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, etc.. This is important because Russia recognized the independence of states and it ended their participation in the war.
  • Influenza Epidemic

    Dealiest influenza epidemic in modern history. Well known and significant because it infected an estimated 1/3 of the population during that time period(500 mil. people). Ended in 1919.
  • Kaiser Wilhlem II Abdicates

    He was the last Emperor of the German Empire and King of Prussia. This was significant because it caused politics and rulers in Germany to change and German forces were not brought back from war.
  • Armistice Signed

    An agreement signed by France, Great Britain, and Germany as a prelude to peace negotiations later on. Significant because it lead to the Treaty of Versailles which would be the final peace treaty between the nations.
  • Treaty of Versailles Signed

    This was a peace treaty after the war. This was important because the signing of this treaty officially ended World War One.
  • Treaty of Saint-Germain

    This was a treaty peace treaty between allied powers and Austria after the war. This was significant because it registered the breakup of the Habsburg empire, recognizing independence of many areas.
  • New Economic Policy(NEP)

    The New Economic Policy was an economic policy in the Soviet Union which represented a retreat from their previous centralization and socialism. This was important because it brought capital into the state but it also led to them processing a permanent capitalist economy.
  • Stalin Takes over Russia

    This is when Joseph Stalin seized power in Russia. This is important because intended to transform the society into a industrial superpower and this led to control problems within theI Soviet Union.
  • Trotsky Flees Russia

    Trotsky flees Russia when Stalin comes into power, in fear of being killed. This is important because the other ruler made changes without his influence.
  • Russia-Germany Pact Violates Versailles

    This is when the Russian and many pact to be allies breaking the treaty of Versailles. This is important because breaking the treaty led to conflict and problems.
  • Germany Stops Reparation Payments to France

    This is when Germany stopped paying their debt off to France from the First World War. This was significant because they could stop paying millions of dollars of debt annually.