First World War

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Timeline: First World War

Years: c. 1895 - 1921	Subject: History, Military History
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737886

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 1895	General Alfred von Schlieffen devises plans for a potential two-pronged attack against France and Russia in a swift war Go to Schlieffen-Plan in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century War Germany Wars since 1900
1898	Germany passes the first of four Fleet Acts, reflecting the determination of Alfred von Tirpitz to build a navy equal to that of Britain Go to Tirpitz, Alfred von (1849–1930) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War German empire Germany Empires Wars since 1900
1905	The first German submarine, or U-boat, is constructed in a programme to catch up with Britain and France in this area Go to Tirpitz, Alfred von (b. 18 Mar. 1849) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Weapons German empire Germany Empires Wars since 1900
1906	Britain launches HMS Dreadnought, the first of a massive new class of battleship Go to dreadnought in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Edwardian era 1900s 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain In direct response to Britain's new Dreadnought, Germany increases the production of battleships Go to Dreadnought, HMS in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century War Weapons German empire Germany Empires Wars since 1900
1911	Germany causes international alarm by sending a warship to Agadir, a port in French-controlled Morocco Go to Agadir crisis (1911) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 German empire Africa North Africa Europe Germany Empires Wars since 1900
1912	The Kaiser and his advisers decide to postpone a preventive war against France and Russia Go to Wilhelm II (b. 27 Jan. 1859) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 By a prearranged plan Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia together launch the First Balkan War against Turkey Go to Balkan Wars (1912–13) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Turkey Europe Empires Wars since 1900 An armistice agreed between the Ottoman empire and three of the Balkan states ends the war in the Balkans Go to Balkan Wars (1912–13) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1913	The Vickers Fighting Biplane No 1 is unveiled in London at the Olympia Aero Show as the world's first purpose-built fighter plane Go to Vickers Family in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain The Treaty of London, ending the First Balkan War, allows Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia to divide up much of European Turkey Go to London, Treaty of (1913) in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain Bulgaria launches the Second Balkan War, in the end to the great detriment of Bulgarian interests Go to Balkan Wars (1912–13) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Muslim empires Ottoman empire Europe Empires Wars since 1900 The Balkan states and the Ottoman empire agree an armistice in Bucharest, ending the Second Balkan War Go to Balkan Wars (1912–13) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Empires Wars since 1900
1914	June 28 - Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is assassinated in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip Go to Francis Joseph I (b. 18 Aug. 1830) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Terrorism and assassination War Europe Austria Wars since 1900 Austria-Hungary plans to attack Serbia, in response to the assassination of the archduke, and seeks a guarantee of German support Go to Austria-Hungary in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Austria Wars since 1900 Germany promises to support Austria-Hungary if a strike against Serbia provokes war with Russia Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War German empire Austria Germany Empires Wars since 1900 July - Erskine Childers sails his own yacht from Germany to Ireland with 900 rifles and 14,000 rounds of ammunition for the Irish Volunteers Go to Childers, Erskine (1870–1922) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Wars since 1900 Britain July 28 - Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, following this with bombardment of the Serbian capital, Belgrade Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Austria Wars since 1900 July 30 - the Austrian attack on Serbia causes Russia to mobilize her army Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Austria Russia Wars since 1900 August 1 - in response to the tsar's mobilization of his troops, Germany declares war on Russia Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War German empire Europe Austria Germany Russia Empires Wars since 1900 August 2 - Germany and the Ottoman empire sign a secret treaty of alliance Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Germany Empires Wars since 1900 August 2 - German troops move into Luxembourg and demand passage through neutral Belgium Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium Germany Wars since 1900 August 3 - with her troops already poised to attack, Germany declares war on France Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War German empire Europe France Germany Empires Wars since 1900 August 3 - Italy declares neutrality amid the rush of other major European powers into war Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 4 - German troops invade Belgium, violating her guaranteed neutrality Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Belgium Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 4 - bound by treaty to defend Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire German empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Empires Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain With five major European nations committed within a few days to hostilities, World War I begins Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 4 - President Woodrow Wilson proclaims US neutrality in the European war Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States The new republican government of Portugal offers Britain support in the war Go to Portugal in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Portugal Wars since 1900 August 7 - Spain declares a policy of neutrality in the rapidly developing European war Go to Spain in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Spain Wars since 1900 August 7 - a small British Expeditionary Force is rushed across the Channel to Boulogne Go to British Expeditionary Force in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain August 10 - France declares war on the empire of Austria-Hungary Go to Austria-Hungary in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Austria France Wars since 1900 August 12 - Britain declares war on the empire of Austria-Hungary Go to Austria-Hungary in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Austria Wars since 1900 Britain August 20 - a Germany army reaches and enters the Belgian capital, Brussels Go to Belgium in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 August 23 Japan, with her own local agenda in the far east, declares war on Germany Go to Japan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 23 - the British Expeditionary Force fights a rearguard action to escape encirclement by the Germans at Mons Go to British Expeditionary Force in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 Britain August 25-28 - a German army encircles and almost annihilates a larger Russian force at Tannenberg Go to Tannenberg, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Poland Wars since 1900 August - British and French forces invade the German colony of Togoland Go to Togoland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 from August - Serbian forces repel two Austrian invasions of their territory Go to Serbia in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 from August - the German cruiser Emden carries out successful raids on British shipping in the seas around India Go to Emden in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Wars since 1900 September 3 - a Germany army crosses the river Marne in an advance towards Paris Go to Marne, Battles of the in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 September 5 - a French army halts the German advance, just 30 miles from Paris Go to Marne, Battles of the in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 September 8 - after a four-day battle, the French drive the German forces back over the river Marne Go to Marne, Battles of the in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 September 13 - the Germans adopt a defensive position at the river Aisne in northern France, in the first sign of the trench warfare that will characterize the entire war in the west Go to Aisne, battle of the (1914) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 from September - the German and French armies, attempting to outflank each other, engage in a race to the sea Go to Aisne, battle of the (1914) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium France Wars since 1900 October - British planes, taking off from Dunkirk, bomb Cologne railway station and destroy Germany's latest Zeppelin in its great shed at Düsseldorf Go to Zeppelin in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain October 29 - Turkey, launching an attack on Russian ports in the Black Sea, enters the war on the German side Go to Turkey in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Empires Wars since 1900 from October - there are heavy casualties on both sides, and a small advantage to the Allies, in the fighting round Ypres during the 'race to the sea' Go to Ypres, Battles of (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 British troops are driven to the western front in London Transport double-deckers Go to Western Front in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Belgium France Wars since 1900 Britain More than 30,000 troops in the Canadian Expeditionary Force sail to fight with Britain Go to Canadian Expeditionary Force in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America Canada H.G. Wells publishes The War that will end War, offering an optimistic of the latest conflict leading to a future world state Go to Wells, H(erbert) G(eorge) (1866–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain November 1 - Maximilian von Spee sinks two British cruisers off Coronel, on the Pacific coast of south America Go to Coronel, battle of (1914) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 Latin America South America November 2 - Russia declares war on the Ottoman empire Go to Ottoman Empire in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Wars since 1900 November 5 - Britain and France declare war on the Ottoman empire Go to Ottoman Empire in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe France Empires Wars since 1900 Britain November 9 - the German cruiser Emden is sunk off the Cocos-Keeling islands by an Australian cruiser, the Sydney Go to Emden in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Asia South Asia Wars since 1900 November 16 - the German enclave of Qingdao, in China, falls to the Japanese after a two-month siege Go to Qingdao (Shandong/China) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Asia East Asia China Wars since 1900 November 23 - a British force seizes the Turkish port of Basra, to safeguard the supply of Persian oil Go to Basra in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Wars since 1900 from November - with the battle lines stablized to the coast, the German and Allied armies settle in for years of gruesome trench warfare Go to trench warfare in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium France Wars since 1900 December - German planes cross the Channel and bomb Dover Go to Dover in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain December - Roger Casement travels to Germany to persuade Irish prisoners of war to change sides and invade Ireland Go to Casement, Roger David (1864–1916) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Wars since 1900 Britain December 7 - Maximilian von Spee's squadron of cruisers is sunk by the British off the Falkland Islands Go to Falklands, battle of the (1914) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Falkland Islands Wars since 1900 Latin America South America
1915	January - Winston Churchill is heavily involved in a bold plan to secure Allied access through the Dardanelles to the Black Sea Go to Dardanelles in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 January - Germans make an experimental but ineffective use of chlorine gas against the Russians in Poland Go to chlorine gas in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 January 19 - a Zeppelin airship makes a night-time bombing raid on the English port of Great Yarmouth Go to Zeppelin raids in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain January 24 - the German battle cruiser Blücher is sunk by the British off the Dogger Bank Go to Blücher, SMS, sinking of in The Oxford Companion to the Photograph (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain January 30 - two passenger liners are sunk by German U-boats Go to submarine in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain February - British and French forces invade and capture the German colony of Cameroon Go to Cameroon in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 Winston Churchill is a firm supporter of a new invention, the tank, encouraging its initial development while still at the Admiralty Go to tanks in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain March - a typhus epidemic sweeps through Serbia, severely weakening the nation's armed forces Go to Serbia in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Medicine War Europe Wars since 1900 March 18 - British and French battleships are sunk by mines in the Dardanelles, with the loss of 620 French sailors on one of them Go to Dardanelles in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 March 21 - two German Zeppelin airships bomb Paris, causing 23 deaths Go to zeppelin in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 April - in a secret pact, signed in London, Italy is promised territorial gains if she joins the Allied side Go to Salandra, Antonio (13 Aug. 1853) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain April 1 - the French aviator Roland Garros fires a machine gun through the propeller in his fighter plane, using metal plates to deflect any bullets that hit the propeller Go to Air Warfare in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Weapons Europe France Wars since 1900 April 22 - the Germans attempt an advance on the western front, launching the second battle of Ypres Go to Ypres, Battles of (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 April 22-23 - the Germans gain ground at Ypres after the first significant use of chlorine gas Go to chlorine gas in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 April 25 - British and French troops, together with the Australian and New Zealander Army Corps (ANZAC), land in Gallipoli Go to Gallipoli campaign (25 Apr. 1915–9) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Asia West Asia Turkey Wars since 1900 May - Italy revokes the Triple Alliance of 1882 that aligned her with Germany and Austria-Hungary Go to Triple Alliance in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 May 7 - the British passenger liner Lusitania is sunk by a U-boat, with the loss of 1000 civilian lives Go to Lusitania in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain May 23 - Italy declares war against Austria-Hungary, but not as yet against Germany Go to Austria-Hungary in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Austria Italy Wars since 1900 May 31 - a German Zeppelin airship makes the first bombing raid on London Go to Zeppelin raids in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain from May - hundreds of thousands of Armenians die as the Turks forcibly remove them from their homelands Go to Armenian genocide (1915–16) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Empires Wars since 1900 July - South African troops capture German South West Africa Go to Namibia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa South Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 July - German fighter planes are armed with new machine guns synchronized to fire between the revolving propeller blades Go to Air Warfare in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Weapons Wars since 1900 July 30 the Germans make their first effective use of a new weapon, the flame thrower, in an attack on the British in the second battle of Ypres Go to flame-throwers in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Belgium Germany Wars since 1900 from July - the Russians advance through Turkish Armenia and push west into Anatolia as far as Trabzon Go to Armenia in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Empires Wars since 1900 September 18 - the emperor Nicholas II moves to military HQ to take personal command of the Russian armies Go to Nicholas II (18 May 1868) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 September 25 - the British use chlorine gas for the first time in an attack on Loos, but in places it is blown back over the British lines when the wind changes Go to Loos, battle of (1915) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 October 5 - French and British troops land at Salonika and push north to relieve Serbia Go to Salonika campaign (1915–Nov. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 October 9 - Austria-Hungary renews its attack on Serbia, and its troops capture Belgrade Go to Serbia in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Austria Wars since 1900 October 12 - the English nurse Edith Cavell is court-martialled and executed by German forces in Belgium Go to Cavell, Edith (1865–1915) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 October 14 - Bulgaria, hoping to gain territory in disputed Macedonia, declares war on Serbia Go to Bulgaria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 October - the Serbian army flees, abandoning Serbia to Austrian and Bulgarian invaders Go to Serbia in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Austria Wars since 1900 November 22 - a British and Indian force is defeated by the Turks at Ctesiphon, on the bank of the Tigris Go to Mesopotamian campaign in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Turks Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Wars since 1900 December - German armies make sufficient advances to drive the Russians out of Poland Go to Poland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 December - Allied troops begin a withdrawal from the Dardanelles after the abject failure of the Gallipoli campaign Go to Gallipoli campaign (25 Apr. 1915–9) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Asia West Asia Turkey Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 from December - the 225-horsepower Eagle, the first of many Rolls-Royce aero-engines, is used to power British bombers Go to Royce, Sir Frederick Henry (1863–1933) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1916	British and French forces win full control of the German colonies of Togoland and Cameroon Go to Togoland in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 February 21 - a German thrust against the French begins the year-long battle of Verdun Go to Verdun, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 Feb 26 - a French troopship La Provence is torpedoed by a U-boat off Cape Matapan and sinks with the loss of nearly 1000 lives Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 March 2 - conscription is introduced in Britain for men aged between 18 and 40 Go to conscription in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain March 24 - a German U-boat sinks the Channel steamer Sussex, with the loss of many civilian lives Go to World War I. (August 1914) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain April 29 - the British garrison at Kut, on the Tigris, surrenders to the Turks after a five-month siege Go to Kut, Siege of (December 1915–April 1916) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Wars since 1900 May 31 - the German and British fleets clash off Jutland, in a hard-fought but inconclusive encounter Go to Jutland, battle of (1916) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain June 4 - Aleksei Brusilov leads a surprise Russian offensive against Germany and Austria-Hungary Go to Brusilov, Gen Aleksey (1853–1926) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 June 5 - Sharif Hussein, the emir of Mecca, proclaims himself the leader of the Muslim world, thus launching an Arab revolt against the Ottoman empire Go to Hussein, ibn Ali (1856–1931) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Religion Islam War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Empires Wars since 1900 June 17 - Belgian troops from the Congo occupy the German colony of Ruanda-Urundi Go to Burundi in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 June 24 - an Allied advance in the valley of the Somme launches a four-month battle with very heavy casualties Go to Somme, Battle of the in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 June 27 - Greece joins the Allies by declaring war on Bulgaria Go to Greece in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 August 20 - a brief success in the front line against Austria prompts Italy to declare war on Germany Go to Italy in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900 August 27 - Romania, hoping for territorial gains from Hungary, joins the war on the side of the Allies Go to Romania in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 September 15 - eleven British tanks go into pioneering but ineffective action at the battle of the Somme Go to Somme, Battle of the in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Europe France Wars since 1900 September 17 - Baron von Richthofen, the 'Red Baron', shoots down the first of many Allied aircraft Go to Richthofen, Manfred Freiherr von (1892–1918) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 November 7 - Woodrow Wilson wins re-election as US president after campaigning on the slogan 'He kept us out of war' Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States November 21 - the emperor Francis Joseph dies after 66 years on the thrones of Austria and Hungary, to be succeeded by his great-nephew Charles I Go to Francis Joseph (1830–1916) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Austria Wars since 1900 December 6 - Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is captured by Austrian and Bulgarian forces Go to Romania in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 December 6 - Herbert Asquith resigns in the face of a political coup against him, and is replaced as UK prime minister by Lloyd George Go to Asquith, Herbert Henry (12 Sept. 1852) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain December 16 - Philippe Pétain becomes a French national hero for his successful defence of Verdun Go to Pétain, Philippe (b. 24 Apr. 1856) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900
1917	Anti-German feeling causes the British royal family to adopt the name Windsor instead of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha Go to Windsor, house of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain March - German troops on the western front begin withdrawal to the recently constructed defences of the Hindenburg Line Go to Hindenburg Line in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 March 1 - a deciphered telegram, from the German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann, inflames US public opinion by promising Texas and more to Mexico Go to Zimmermann Note (19 Jan. 1917) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Society Wars since 1900 North America United States March 10 - a mutiny by soldiers, in support of Petrograd demonstrators, proves a turning point in Russia's February revolution Go to Russian Revolution (1917) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 March 11 - the British commander Stanley Maude captures Baghdad from the Turks Go to Mesopotamian campaign in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Wars since 1900 March 11 - crowds demonstrating in Petrograd are fired on after tsar Nicholas II sanctions the use of force Go to Nicholas II (18 May 1868) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 March 12 - an uprising in Petrograd brings the Peter and Paul fortress into the hands of the rebels Go to St Petersburg in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 March 15 - with his capital city in the hands of rebels, tsar Nicholas II abdicates Go to Nicholas II (18 May 1868) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 April - the German authorities allow Lenin to travel home from Switzerland through Germany, hoping for Communist disruption of the Russian war effort Go to Lenin, Vladimir Ilich (22 Apr. 1870) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Communism War Germany Russia Wars since 1900 April 6 - Woodrow Wilson, president of the USA, declares war on Germany Go to Wilson, Thomas Woodrow (28 Dec. 1856) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States April - Trotsky hurries back to Russia from exile in the United States Go to Trotsky, Lev Davidovich (26 Oct. 1879) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 April - German U-boats sink 430 Allied and neutral merchant ships in this month alone Go to submarine in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States April 12 - Canadian troops take Vimy Ridge, subsequently the site of Canada's most important war memorial Go to Vimy Ridge, Battle of (9 April 1917) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 North America Canada June - the Allies frustrate the German U-boats by introducing the convoy system Go to convoy system in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States June - a Russian summer offensive against the Germans results in massive loss of life and territory Go to eastern front (1914–18) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 6 - T.E. Lawrence and an Arab force surprise the Turkish garrison at Aqaba and win an overwhelming victory Go to Lawrence, T(homas) E(dward) (1888–1935) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Turks Asia West Asia Wars since 1900 July 31 - Haig sends British troops over the top in the third battle of Ypres Go to Ypres, Battles of (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 September - Trotsky, released from prison, stages a coup to win Bolshevik control of the Petrograd Soviet Go to Trotsky, Lev Davidovich (26 Oct. 1879) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 October 15 - the dancer Mata Hari is executed in France as a German spy Go to Mata Hari (b. 7 Aug. 1876) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Europe France Society Wars since 1900 October 24 - a victory at Caporetto enables the Austrian army to penetrate far into northeast Italy Go to Caporetto, Battle of (24 October 1917) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Italy Wars since 1900 November - women are enlisted into Britain's army (Women's Auxiliary Corps) and navy (Women's Royal Naval Service) Go to women in the military in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain November 6 - British and Canadian infantry, slithering through a morass of mud, capture the village of Passchendaele Go to Passchendaele, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Wars since 1900 November 7 - Edmund Allenby takes the Palestinian town of Gaza, at the third British attempt Go to Allenby, Edmund Henry Hynman, 1st Viscount (1861–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars since 1900 November 7 (October 26 O.S) - Bolsheviks storm the Winter Palace in Petrograd and arrest the ministers of the Provisional Government Go to Russian Revolution (1917) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 November 8 - Lenin issues a Decree of Peace, inviting Russia's enemies to enter into immediate peace negotiations Go to Lenin, Vladimir Ilich (22 Apr. 1870) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Communism War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 November 20 - suitable ground is selected by the British at the battle of Cambrai for the first serious deployment of their new tanks Go to Cambrai, battle of (1917) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Europe France Wars since 1900 December - wartime scarcity causes sugar rationing to be imposed in Britain, to be followed soon by meat and butter and related products Go to food rationing in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain December 9 - the British commander Edmund Allenby captures Jerusalem from its Turkish defenders Go to Allenby, Edmund Henry Hynman, 1st Viscount (1861–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Jerusalem Turks Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars since 1900
1918	January 8 - President Woodrow Wilson formulates fourteen detailed proposals as a basis for world peace once the conflict has ended Go to Fourteen Points in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States March 3 - at Brest-Litovsk Lenin signs a peace treaty with Germany and Austria, ceding vast territories and valuable resources Go to Brest‐Litovsk, Treaty of (3 Mar. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Communism War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 April 21 - the German air ace Baron von Richthofen is finally shot down, after himself destroying 80 Allied planes Go to Richthofen, Manfred Freiherr von (1892–1918) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 May - women are enlisted in Britain's air force, in the newly formed WRAF (Women's Royal Air Force) Go to women in the military in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain May - US troops are by now fighting in large numbers on the western front Go to Western Front in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium France Wars since 1900 North America United States from June - Faisal and T.E. Lawrence pin down a Turkish army in a campaign of guerrilla warfare Go to Lawrence, T(homas) E(dward) (1888–1935) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Turks Asia West Asia Wars since 1900 July 8 - Hermann Goering, a fighter ace who has shot down 22 Allied aircraft by the end of the war, becomes commander of the Richthofen Squadron Go to Goering, Hermann (b. 12 Jan. 1893) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 July 17 - Tsar Nicholas II and his wife and children are murdered by the Bolsheviks at Ekaterinburg Go to Nicholas II (18 May 1868) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 18 - the Allies hold the Germans on the Marne and begin a successful counterattack with tanks Go to Marne, Battles of the in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe France Wars since 1900 August - a world-wide pandemic of influenza breaks out, and within the space of a year kills 30 million people Go to Influenza in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Medicine Social and domestic War Society Wars since 1900 August 4 - Adolf Hitler is awarded the Iron Cross, First Class, a decoration rarely given to a corporal Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 September - the Allies, with Serb troops in the vanguard, press north from Salonika into Serbia Go to Serbia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 September 29 - the Bulgarians, driven from Serbia, sign an armistice with the Allies Go to Bulgaria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 October 1 - after a victory at the historic battle site of Megiddo, Allenby captures the city of Damascus Go to Allenby, Edmund Henry Hynman, 1st Viscount (1861–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Battles Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Wars since 1900 October 4 - the Kaiser appoints a new chancellor, Prince Max von Baden, to negotiate an end to the war Go to Max von Baden, Prinz (1867–1929) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War German empire Germany Empires Wars since 1900 October 5 - the new German chancellor, Prince Max of Baden, sends a message to President Wilson requesting an immediate armistice Go to Max von Baden, Prinz (1867–1929) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War US presidents Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 October 5 - the British, under Douglas Haig, break through Germany's heavily defended Hindenburg Line Go to Hindenburg Line in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 October 30 - an armistice is signed between Turkey and the Allies on the warship Agamemnon in the Greek port of Mudros Go to Turkey in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Empires Wars since 1900 October 30 - a mutiny in Germany's fleet in Kiel sparks uprisings in several German cities Go to Schleswig-Holstein in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 November 7 - Austria-Hungary signs a separate armistice with the Allied powers, in a villa near Padua, without waiting for the Germans Go to Austria-Hungary in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Austria Wars since 1900 November 8 - the Allied commander-in chief, Marshal Foch, meets a German delegation in a railway carriage in the forest of Compiègne to discuss an armistice Go to Foch, Ferdinand (1851–1929) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe France Germany Wars since 1900 November 9 - Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Social Democrats, becomes the first chancellor of the newly proclaimed German republic Go to Ebert, Friedrich (4 Feb. 1871) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 November 10 - Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates and goes into exile in the Netherlands Go to Wilhelm II (b. 27 Jan. 1859) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Germany Wars since 1900 November 11 - the Allies and the Germans finally agree the terms of an armistice at 5 a.m. Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe France Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November 11 - the war ends with the official cessation of hostilities at 11 a.m., the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month Go to Armistice, 1918 in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November 13 - the deposition of the emperor Charles I by the Austrian government brings to a formal end the empire of Austria-Hungary and more than six centuries of Habsburg rule Go to Habsburg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Austria Wars since 1900 November 13 - with the end of the Habsburg empire, German-speaking Austrians declare their own much smaller territory to be an independent republic Go to Austria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Austria Wars since 1900 November 14 - the new nation of Czechoslovakia is established from within Austria-Hungary, with Tomas Masaryk as its first president Go to Masaryk, Tómas Garrigue (7 Mar. 1850) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Bohemia Austria Czech Republic Wars since 1900 November 16 - prime minister Mihaly Karolyi proclaims the republic of Hungary, after the demise of Austria-Hungary Go to Károlyi, Mihály, Count (1875–1955) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Austria Hungary Wars since 1900 November 23 - Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, commander of the German army in East Africa, surrenders after four stubborn years of resistance Go to Lettow-Vorbeck, Gen Paul Emil von (1870–1964) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 December 1 - Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro merge as the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, with the Serbian Peter I as king Go to Peter I (1844–1921) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900
1914-1918	The Great War has resulted in some 8 million dead in the armed forces of the rival nations Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 Approximately 7 million civilians are calculated to have died as a direct result of the four years of war Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic War Society Wars since 1900
1919	January 4 - Finland wins freedom from Russia and becomes an independent republic Go to Finland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Finland Wars since 1900 The League of Nations makes South West Africa (Namibia) a mandated British territory, to be administered by South Africa Go to Namibia in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 January 18 - the delegates to the peace conference in Paris, mainly concerned with the terms to be imposed on Germany, hold their first session Go to Paris Peace Conference (1919–20) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 February - Hitler returns to Munich and in the prevailing mood of post-defeat resentment begins to take an interest in extremist politics Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 April - delegates to the Paris peace conference unanimously establish the League of Nations Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 21 - German sailors scuttle every one of the fifty warships held by the British in Scapa Flow Go to High Seas Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain June 28 - the peace treaty with Germany, ending the world war, is signed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles Go to Versailles, Treaty of (28 June 1919) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 28 - the Versailles Treaty declares that Germany must pay reparations for wartime damages, with the precise amount to be decided by May 1921 Go to reparations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War German empire Germany Empires Wars since 1900 June 28 - the peace-makers in Paris assign the Sudetenland, with its 3.5 million German-speaking inhabitants, to the new republic of Czechoslovakia Go to Sudetenland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Germany Wars since 1900 June 28 - the Versailles Treaty makes Danzig (or Gdansk) a free city (from 10 January 1920), under the protection of the League of Nations Go to Danzig in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 June 28 - the Versailles Treaty provides a corridor of land to give Poland access to Danzig and the Baltic, thereby dividing two parts of Germany Go to Polish Corridor in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 June 28 - the German-speaking inhabitants of South Tirol are incorporated within Italy under the Versailles peace terms Go to South Tirol in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 June 28 - German East Africa is to be governed by Britain as Tanganyika, under a League of Nations mandate Go to Tanzania in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa East Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 To President Wilson's profound disappointment the US Congress, by failing to ratify the treaty of Versailles, opts out of the League of Nations Go to Treaty of Versailles in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States
1920	May - League of Nations mandates give Britain responsibility for Iraq, Transjordan and Palestine Go to Mandate in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 Mesopotamia Asia West Asia Iraq Palestine and Israel Europe Empires Wars since 1900 May - League of Nations mandates give France responsibility for Syria and Lebanon Go to Mandate in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Europe Empires Wars since 1900 August - a punitive peace treaty, negotiated at Sèvres, is designed to dismember the Ottoman empire Go to Ottoman Empire in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe France Empires Wars since 1900 August 10 - the sultan of Turkey signs the Treaty of Sèvres with the Allies but it is rejected by the new nationalist government Go to Sèvres, Treaty of (10 Aug. 1920) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Empires Wars since 1900 November 11 - the body of an Unknown Warrior, selected at random from British war graves, is buried at the entrance to Westminster Abbey Go to Unknown Warrior in Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain November 11 - the body of an unknown French soldier is laid to rest in a chapel within the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and a few weeks later is buried at ground level beneath the arch Go to Arc de Triomphe in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic War Europe France Society Wars since 1900
1921	The commission considering the level of Germany's war reparations to the Allies decides on $33 billion Go to reparations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 November 11 - the first of America's 'unknown soldiers' is placed in the new Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery Go to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States

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date: 15 May 2025

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