The first World War

🌍 Echoes of Empires: A Timeline of the First World War (1914–1918)

1871–1914 – The rise of nationalism, imperial rivalries, and entangled alliances builds a powder keg in Europe. The unification of Germany, colonial competitions in Africa, and arms races (especially naval) between Britain and Germany create tension.
June 28, 1914 – Sarajevo Sparks the Fire
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary is assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This act becomes the match that ignites the Great War.

July 28, 1914 – Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
August 1–4, 1914 – Domino effect: Germany declares war on Russia and France. Germany invades Belgium, prompting Britain to enter the war.
August–September 1914 – Schlieffen Plan in Motion
Germany tries to quickly defeat France through Belgium. The plan falters at the First Battle of the Marne (Sept 6–12), ending hopes for a swift victory.
October 1914 – Ottoman Empire joins the Central Powers, expanding the war to the Middle East.

April 22 – May 25, 1915 – Second Battle of Ypres
Germany uses poison gas for the first time on a large scale. Chemical warfare becomes a terrifying new weapon.
May 7, 1915 – Sinking of the Lusitania
A German U-boat sinks a British passenger ship, killing 1,198, including Americans. Global outrage grows.
April 25 – December 1915 – Gallipoli Campaign
A failed Allied attempt to open a sea route to Russia. Heavy losses for Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and France.

February–December 1916 – Battle of Verdun
France and Germany clash in the longest battle of the war. Over 700,000 casualties for a few miles of ground.
July 1 – November 18, 1916 – Battle of the Somme
British-led offensive; 60,000 British casualties on the first day. Tanks are used for the first time.
May 31 – June 1, 1916 – Battle of Jutland
Largest naval battle of the war between Britain and Germany. Tactical draw, but strategic British victory.

February–March 1917 – Russian Revolution Begins
Tsar Nicholas II abdicates. Russia begins to crumble internally.
April 6, 1917 – United States Enters the War
President Woodrow Wilson asks Congress to declare war on Germany. Fresh American troops and resources begin to tilt the balance.
July–November 1917 – Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)
Brutal mud, rain, and shellfire in Belgium. Symbol of senseless slaughter.
November 1917 – Bolshevik Revolution
Lenin seizes power in Russia. Peace is promised, and soon delivered.

March–July 1918 – German Spring Offensives
Germany launches a final gamble before American forces arrive in full. Gains ground but can’t sustain momentum.
July–November 1918 – Allied Counteroffensive
The Allies push back, using combined arms, tanks, air power, and fresh U.S. troops.
September 1918 – Central Powers Collapse
Bulgaria, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary sue for peace.
November 11, 1918 – Armistice Day
At 11:00 AM, the guns fall silent. The war is over.

1919 – Treaty of Versailles
Signed on June 28, exactly five years after the assassination that started it all. Blame is placed on Germany; reparations and redrawn borders sow the seeds of future conflict.

Industrialized Death: WWI was the first war where modern technology (machine guns, tanks, airplanes, gas) met 19th-century tactics. The result: mechanized slaughter.
Global Theatre: Battles raged from Europe to Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific. It was not just a European war—it was truly worldwide.
Birth of Modernity: Women entered the workforce, empires collapsed, ideologies (like communism and fascism) took root. The 20th century was born in the trenches.