World War I was a global conflict from 1914 to 1918 that forever changed history books everywhere. Knowing WWI's key dates will help you understand just how big it really was – these moments shaped our planet more than any other event in time. This article looks at some major occurrences during this period which marked significant turning points in human affairs.
WW1 Key Dates
June 28th, 1914 – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary is killed in Sarajevo setting off chain reaction leading up into WWI.
July 28th, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
- Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary declares war against Serbia thus beginning hostilities.
August 1st, 1914 – Germany declares war on Russia
- Germany announces a state of war with Russia as per its alliance obligations towards Austria-Hungary thereby escalating the conflict.
August 3rd, 1914 – Germany declares war on France
- Germany declares war on France and invades through Belgium which eventually leads to Britain joining in too.
August 4th, 1914 – The United Kingdom declares war on Germany
- The United Kingdom enters into an armed conflict after German troops violate Belgian neutrality.
September 6th-12th, 1914 – First Battle of the Marne
- Allied forces stop German advance in France during First Battle of the Marne resulting in trench warfare stalemate situation
April 22nd, 1915 – Second Battle of Ypres
- Germans use poison gas for first time ever at Western Front’s Second Battle of Ypres
May 7th, 1915 – Sinking of the Lusitania
- British passenger liner Lusitania is sunk by German submarine killing more than thousand people including over hundred Americans and influencing US attitudes towards involvement in WWI
February 21st - December 18th , 1916 – Battle of Verdun
- One of longest bloodiest battles during World War I where no side won as both suffered heavy casualties.
July 1 - November 18, 1916 - Battle of the Somme
- Tanks are used in warfare for the first time in the Battle of the Somme, causing over a million casualties.
January 19, 1917 - Zimmermann telegram
- The British intercept the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposes a military alliance with Mexico against the United States, influencing public opinion in the US.
April 6, 1917 - The United States enters the war
- The United States declares war on Germany and joins the Allies in the fight against the Central Powers.
November 7, 1917 - Russian October Revolution
- The Bolsheviks seize power in Russia, leading to the country's withdrawal from the war.
March 3, 1918 - Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
- Russia signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, withdrawing from the war and ceding significant territories.
July 15 - August 6, 1918 - Second Battle of the Marne
- The Allies launch a successful counter-offensive in the Second Battle of the Marne, which marks the turning point of the war.
September 26 - November 11, 1918 - Meuse-Argonne Offensive
- The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, helps to break through German lines and is America’s largest offensive ever.
November 9, 1918 – Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates
- Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated his throne and this led to not only ending German Empire but also birthed Weimar Republic.
November 11th , Armistice Day November 11, 1918 - Armistice Day
- At 11:00 a.m., an armistice is signed, ending the fighting on the Western Front at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.
June 28, 1919 - Treaty of Versailles
- The signing of the Treaty of Versailles officially ends World War I and imposes heavy reparations payments and territorial losses on Germany.
Conclusion
These essential dates provide an overview of key events that shaped World War I. Each marks another significant moment in history from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Through knowing about them we can truly realize how much this war impacted the world around us as well as learn from it for future generations.