World War I History Timeline and Biographies

1914

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the nationalist group known as the Black Hand. This event is widely considered the immediate catalyst for World War I, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia.

1914

The Outbreak of World War I

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official beginning of World War I. This declaration triggered a series of alliances, with Russia mobilizing in defense of Serbia, leading Germany to declare war on Russia and subsequently on France.

1914

The Battle of the Marne

From September 6 to 12, 1914, the First Battle of the Marne took place, where Allied forces halted the German advance into France. This battle marked a significant turning point in World War I, leading to the establishment of trench warfare on the Western Front.

1915

The Gallipoli Campaign

In April 1915, the Allies launched the Gallipoli Campaign, aiming to secure a sea route to Russia and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. The campaign ended in failure for the Allies, resulting in heavy casualties and contributing to the stalemate of World War I.

1916

The Battle of Verdun

Beginning in February 1916, the Battle of Verdun became one of the longest and most grueling battles of World War I. The French and German armies suffered enormous casualties, symbolizing the war's brutal nature and the concept of attrition warfare.

1916

The Battle of the Somme

The Battle of the Somme commenced on July 1, 1916, and lasted until November. It was one of the largest battles of World War I, marked by the first use of tanks in warfare. The battle aimed to relieve pressure on Verdun and resulted in over one million casualties.

1917

The United States Enters World War I

On April 6, 1917, the United States officially entered World War I, declaring war on Germany. This decision was influenced by unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, which proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico.

1917

The Russian Revolution

In March 1917, the Russian Revolution led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government. This political upheaval significantly impacted the Eastern Front of World War I and ultimately led to Russia's withdrawal from the conflict.

1918

The Hundred Days Offensive

Starting in August 1918, the Hundred Days Offensive marked a series of Allied attacks that ultimately led to the collapse of the German front. This offensive was crucial in bringing about the end of World War I and demonstrated the effectiveness of combined Allied forces.

1918

Armistice of November 11, 1918

On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, effectively ending World War I. The ceasefire marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front and led to peace negotiations.

1919

Treaty of Versailles

Signed on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I. The treaty imposed heavy reparations on Germany, redrew national boundaries, and established the League of Nations, aiming to prevent future conflicts.

1920

The League of Nations Established

Formed in January 1920, the League of Nations was established as part of the Treaty of Versailles to promote peace and cooperation among countries. Although it aimed to prevent future wars, it ultimately struggled to maintain peace, leading to its eventual dissolution.

1923

The Treaty of Lausanne

Signed on July 24, 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne replaced the Treaty of Sèvres and recognized the boundaries of modern Turkey, concluding the Ottoman Empire's involvement in World War I and reshaping the Middle East.

1939

The Prelude to World War II

The unresolved issues and grievances stemming from the Treaty of Versailles and the aftermath of World War I contributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe and the eventual outbreak of World War II in 1939.