World War 1 began due to the assassination of “Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June 1914” 1. Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia, who the assassination was traced to, that same day, starting the first world war 1 2. Germany supported Austria-Hungary, while Russia sided with Serbia, as they did traditionally 1. Germany later invaded Luxembourg and Belgium, the French invades Alsace, and British forces arrive in France 2. On August 10th, Austria-Hungary invades Russia 2. On September 9th, “Allied forces halt German advance into France during First Battle of the Marne.” 2 On February 18th 1915, Germany did a naval blockade of Great Britain 2. “Allied forces land on the Gallipoli Peninsula of the Ottoman Empire.” 2. A German submarine sinks the passenger liner during a crossing from New York to Liverpool, which killed 128 Americans 2. On May 23rd, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary. On February 21st 1916, Germany began the attack on Verdun 2. On July 1st, the battle of the Somme begins 2. On December 18th, the Battle of Verdun ended with “550,000 French and 450,000 German casualties” 2. On April 6th 1917, the United States declares war on Germany 2. On March 21th 1918, Germany begins it’s final offensive of the war 2. On May 28th 1918, US forces are victorious in the battle of Cantigny, which is the first independent American operation 2. On November 11th, 1918, Germany signs the Armistice at Compiègne, ending WW1 2 .