WW1 Timeline

Table of Contents

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Canadian Events

1. August 1914: War Measures Act

Canada passed the War Measures Act, granting the government extensive powers to prosecute the war. This included censorship, the right to detain and arrest Canadians, and control over property. Image Description

2. April 22, 1915: Battle of Second Ypres

Canada’s first major battle and the first battle to see the successful use of chemical weapons. Approximately 6,000 Canadian soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. Images Descripion

3. April 9–12, 1917: Battle of Vimy Ridge

This was Canada’s first successful major battle, which became a symbol of Canadian identity and independence for the first war 1. Images Descripion

4. October 26–November 10, 1917: Battle of Passchendaele

Known as one of Canada’s most brutal battles in WW1. In harsh weather conditions, Canada lost 16,000 men either killed or wounded. Images Descripion

5. December 1917: Federal Election

The debate over conscription (mandatory military service) was one of Canada’s fiercest. Despite widespread opposition, conscription was implemented, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. Images Descripion

European Events

1. June 28, 1914: The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary sparked the beginning of WW1, causing a chain reaction of alliances to ignite the war.

Images Descripion

2. July 28, 1914: Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

After Serbia failed to meet Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum, war was declared, further escalating the conflict. Images Descipion

3. August 1914: The Picking Sides

The alliance system led to most of Europe being drawn into the WW1.

graph TD; A(Germany declares war on Russia, France, and Belgium) --> B(Britain declares war on Germany); B --> C(Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia); C --> D(France and Britain declare war on Austria-Hungary); D --> E(Japan declares war on Germany); E --> F(Austria-Hungary declares war on Belgium); F --> G(United States declares neutrality);

4. May 16, 1916: Sykes-Picot Agreement

A secret agreement between Britain and France, dividing the Ottoman Empire’s territories among themselves, including Syria and Lebanon for France and Jordan, Iraq, and Palestine for Britain.

5. May 31, 1916: Battle of Jutland

The largest naval battle of WW1 between the British Royal Navy Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet. Both sides claimed victory.

Major Battles

1. April 25, 1915–January 9, 1916: Gallipoli Campaign

The objective was to open the Dardanelles and force Turkey out of the war. The campaign ended in stalemate, with heavy casualties on both sides.

2. July 1, 1916: Battle of the Somme

Aimed at diverting German troops from Verdun, the battle resulted in about 50,000 British casualties on the first day and continued until November.

3. June 4–September 20, 1916: Brusilov Offensive

Led by Russian General Aleksi Brusilov, this was one of the most successful offensives of WW1. It used concentrated artillery and targeted weak points in the enemy’s line.

4. March 21–July 18, 1918: German Spring Offensives

A German attempt to break through Allied lines. While initially successful, the offensives lacked a strategic goal and ultimately became a logistical nightmare for Germany.

5. August 8–11, 1918: Battle of Amiens

The beginning of the Allied Hundred Days Campaign. Following the German Spring Offensives, the Allies counter-attacked, and the German army was left exposed and under-supplied.

Technological Changes/Events

1. September 15, 1916: Tanks

The concept of armored vehicles existed before WW1, but the first successful use of tanks occurred in 1916, notably in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette.

2. April 22, 1915: Poison Gas

The first large-scale use of poison gas occurred during the Battle of Ypres. Following its effectiveness, both sides began to develop and deploy chemical weapons throughout the war.

Free Choice Events

1. May 7, 1915: Sinking of the Lusitania

A German U-boat torpedoed the British ocean liner, killing around 1,200 people. This event contributed to the United States entering WW1.

2. March 8, 1917: Russian Revolution

Economic hardships and government corruption led to the Russian Revolution. Soon after, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed in March 1918, ending Russia’s involvement in WW1.

3. November 6, 1914–1918: Mesopotamian Campaign

Non NA/Europe Event: Fought between the British Empire (with forces from India) and the Ottoman Empire, this campaign lasted through the duration of WW1.

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