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World War I
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Begin of World War I
World War I was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austria-Hungary's throne, and his wife, Sophie, by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip while the couple were visiting Sarajevo in 1914. So Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. -
First Battle of the Marne
The First Battle of the Marne begins. Trench warfare begins as soldiers on both sides dig in. -
Poison Gas
The Second Battle of Ypres begins. It is during this battle that the Germans first use poison gas. -
The Battle of Verdun begins
The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle of World War I and was one of the bloodiest. -
The Battle of the Somme begins
During the Battle of the Somme, tanks are first introduced into battle. -
Germany sends the secret Zimmerman Telegram
Germany sends the secret Zimmerman Telegram to Mexico in an effort to entice Mexico to join the war. The British intercept and decipher the coded message. -
The armistice agreement
The armistice agreed upon between the new Russian government and the Central Powers goes into effect. -
Red Baron got shot down
German flying ace, Baron Manfred von Richthofen (more commonly known as the Red Baron), is shot down. -
Germany signs the armistice
Germany signs the armistice at Compiegne, France. Fighting ends on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. -
End of World War I
World War I ended with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
