Great War Timeline

The 2nd Battle of Ypres begins and is the only major attack by Germany on the Western Front during the year of 1915. This is also battle in which gas is used for the first time on the Western Front. This was an attempt to break the stalemate as well.

Allied troops (British and French) go to Gallipoli as an attempt to get rid of the Turks from the war. This was the first battle in which the ANZAC troops had action in the war. The allies wanted Constantinople in order to secure a trade route to Russia. This was considered one of the greatest feats of the Turkish forces. Also an attempt to break the stalemate, but fails to do so.

The Treaty of London is issued between Frace, Italy, Russia, and Great Britain. This treaty was mostly for Italy and Great Britain, as Italy wanted the "bigger better deal," they wanted to be on the winning side.

The Lusitania was a passenger ship of the Allies carrying Americans. Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign torpedoes this passenger ship killing close to 130 American passengers.

The Battles of Isonzo are twelve battles that Italy commence and declare on Austria-Hungary, going against agreements with the Central Powers. These battles cause a lot of casualities and end up with an Italian failure. They are also when Italy switches sides from the Central Powers to the Allies because they wanted to be on the side who appeared to be winning.

German attack on French troops that is longest battle of the war. It is an attempt to break the stalemate, but fails.

Sussex ship is torpedoed by the Germans and the Sussex Pledge is declared saying that the Germans are no longer allowed to sink merchant ships without warning, which they later disobey.

The Battle of Jutland is the history's largest naval battle and had no victor. The Germans try to put pressure on the British, but the British bombard them and both sides claim victory, therefore, no winner.

The Brusilov offensive is the only major Russian offensive during 1916, which the Allies are successful with.

The Battle of the Somme is the main Allied attack on the Western Front during 1916. It causes many casualities and is a disaster. No one wins this battle, but it does take some of the pressure off of Verdun. Tanks are first used during the Battle of the Somme.

Italy declares war on Germany.

This is the date of the first airraid Germany takes on Great Britain.

Germany goes against the Sussex pledge and prepares submarines to attack any ships, including passenger ships. America breaks diplomatic relations with Germany, and Germany, in response, sinks an American liner.

The Zimmerman Telegraph is sent to the U.S. stating that Germany has asked Mexico to be against the U.S. during the war.

Tsar Nicholas abdicates Russia and Lenin soon takes control of the Russian government and tries to make peace negotiations with Germany.

The Battles of Gaza is fought between the British and the Ottomans. The British try to take the Ottomans out of the war

US declares war on Germany.

The 2nd Battle of the Aisne begins between French and German troops.

US declares war on Austria-Hungary.

Russia opens up peace negotiations with Germany.

President Wilson gives his Fourteen Points speech which is his plan for peace without a victory.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was the peace treaty between Russia and its oposing powers to let Russia leave the war. In return the Central Powersd will gain some of Russia's territory and industry for their withdrawal.

Germany starts their Spring Offensive - Five major offensives against the Allies. This is their last effort before Americans start building an army.

Armistice Day was the day when all fighting ceased between Allied and Central Powers at 11 AM. This was the day with the most casualities and was the most tragic.

This day starts the Peace Negotiations in Paris; paricipants of which blame everything on Germany and want Germany to clean all of it up because they basically lost.