This timeline details the main events of World War One also known as the Great War, WWI and the First World War from 1914 to 1918
see also Causes of World War One
World War Two
1914
1914 (28th June)
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated. The couple were on a visit to the Bosnian capital Sarajevo when they were shot and killed by Gavrilo Princip, one of seven assassins, all members of the Black Hand Serbian terrorist group, lining the streets of Sarajevo.
1914 (after 28th June)
The Austro-Hungarian government laid the blame for the assassination on Serbia. They encouraged anti-Serb demonstrations and rioting but refrained from declaring war because Serbia was allied to Russia.
1914 (5th July)
Kaiser Wilhelm agreed German support for Austria-Hungary against Serbia.
1914 (23rd July)
The Austro-Hungarian government issued an ultimatum to Serbia which included ten demands that needed to be met including Serbia allowing Austria to suppress subversive groups and allowing Austrian representatives to be a part of the investigation to bring Princip’s accomplices to trial.
1914 (25th July)
Serbia rejected Austria’s ultimatum and mobilised its troops.
1914 (28th July)
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
1914 (30th July)
Russia mobilised its army in support of Serbia.
1914 (31st July)
Germany issued an ultimatum to Russia to halt mobilisation and an ultimatum to France requesting they maintain neutrality in the event of a German-Russian war.
1914 (1st August)
Having received no reply to their ultimatum, Germany declared war on Russia and mobilised its army.
1914 (1st August)
France rejected the German ultimatum and mobilised its army. Germany sent 80% of its troops west, planning to quickly take France out of the war before turning full attention to Russia.
1914 (2nd August)
German troops marched into Luxembourg.
1914 (3rd August)
Schlieffen Plan
Germany declared war on Russia’s ally, France. Belgium refused a request to allow German troops to pass through the country so Germany invaded Belgium following the plan for attacking France outlined by General Schlieffen in 1905.
Germany declared war on Russia’s ally, France. Belgium refused a request to allow German troops to pass through the country so Germany invaded Belgium following the plan for attacking France outlined by General Schlieffen in 1905.
1914 (4th August)
Britain issued an ultimatum to Germany to remove its troops from Belgium by midnight. Germany did not comply and Britain declared war on Germany for violating Belgian neutrality.
1914 (5th August – 16th August)
Battle of Liege
This battle fought in Belgium between Belgian and German troops, was a victory for the Belgians who held back the German advance for 4 – 5 days.
This battle fought in Belgium between Belgian and German troops, was a victory for the Belgians who held back the German advance for 4 – 5 days.
1914 (6th August)
Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia.
1914 (6th August)
British and French troops invaded German Kamerun (Cameroon, north Gabon, north Democratic Congo, western Central African Republic, south West Chad and eastern Nigeria). It would take two years to subdue the region.
1914 (9th – 26th August)
British and French troops invaded and occupied German Togoland (Togo).
1914 (12th August)
Britain and France declared war on Austria-Hungary.
1914 (13th August)
Japan, which was allied to Britain, declared war on Germany.
1914 (14th August)
Battle of Mons
This battle, fought between German troops and the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front, was a victory for Germany.
This battle, fought between German troops and the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front, was a victory for Germany.
1914 (15th – 24th August)
Battle of Cer
This battle, fought between Austria-Hungary and Serbia saw the Austro-Hungarians defeated.
This battle, fought between Austria-Hungary and Serbia saw the Austro-Hungarians defeated.
1914 (30th August)
Battle of Tannenberg
This major World War One battle fought between Germany and Russia on the Eastern Front was a victory for Germany.
This major World War One battle fought between Germany and Russia on the Eastern Front was a victory for Germany.
1914 (30th August)
German Samoa
A New Zealand force invaded and occupied German Samoa (Western Samoa).
A New Zealand force invaded and occupied German Samoa (Western Samoa).
1914 (5th – 12th September)
First Battle of the Marne
Fought on the Western Front between an allied French and British force against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies who pushed the Germans back 50 km (31 miles).
Fought on the Western Front between an allied French and British force against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies who pushed the Germans back 50 km (31 miles).
1914 (7th – 14th September)
First Battle of the Masurian Lakes
Fought on the Eastern Front between Germany and Russia, this battle was a victory for Germany.
Fought on the Eastern Front between Germany and Russia, this battle was a victory for Germany.
1914 (11th September)
German New Guinea
Australian forces took control of Neu Pommern, part of German New Guinea (New Guinea).
Australian forces took control of Neu Pommern, part of German New Guinea (New Guinea).
1914 (12th – 15th September)
First Battle of the Aisne
This battle fought on the Western Front between an allied French and British force against Germany, was indecisive.
This battle fought on the Western Front between an allied French and British force against Germany, was indecisive.
1914 (25th – 29th September)
Battle of Albert
This battle fought on the Western Front between French and German troops, was indecisive.
This battle fought on the Western Front between French and German troops, was indecisive.
1914 (12th October – 2nd November)
First Battle of Messines
This battle fought on the Western Front between British and German troops was inconclusive.
This battle fought on the Western Front between British and German troops was inconclusive.
1914 (19th October – 22nd November)
First Battle of Ypres
Fought on the Western Front between an allied British, French and Belgian force against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought on the Western Front between an allied British, French and Belgian force against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1914 (28th October)
Battle of Penang
This naval battle between Germany and Russia resulted in the sinking of the Russian ship Zhemchug.
This naval battle between Germany and Russia resulted in the sinking of the Russian ship Zhemchug.
1914 (29th October)
Turkey formed an alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary.
1914 (31st October – 7th November)
Siege of Tsingtao (Qingdao)
This was the only land battle in Asia. Tsingtao in the Shangdong region of China had been ceded to Germany on a 99 year lease in 1898. Japanese, British and Indian troops now lay siege to the port of Tsingtao securing its fall to the Allies.
This was the only land battle in Asia. Tsingtao in the Shangdong region of China had been ceded to Germany on a 99 year lease in 1898. Japanese, British and Indian troops now lay siege to the port of Tsingtao securing its fall to the Allies.
1914 (1st November)
Battle of Coronel
This was a small naval battle off the coast of Chile between a British force led by Christopher Cradock and a German force led by Graf von Spee in which the Germans were victorious.
This was a small naval battle off the coast of Chile between a British force led by Christopher Cradock and a German force led by Graf von Spee in which the Germans were victorious.
1914 (2nd November)
Russia declared war on Turkey.
1914 (5th November)
Britain and France declared war on Turkey.
1914 (late)
Trench Warfare
On the Western Front the war had reached stalemate and both sides dug themselves into trenches for protection.
On the Western Front the war had reached stalemate and both sides dug themselves into trenches for protection.
1914 (8th December)
Battle of the Falkland Islands
The British sent a force to destroy Admiral Spee’s German fleet in retaliation for the British losses at Coronel. The two sides met off the Falkland Island and the British destroyed the German East Asia Fleet.
The British sent a force to destroy Admiral Spee’s German fleet in retaliation for the British losses at Coronel. The two sides met off the Falkland Island and the British destroyed the German East Asia Fleet.
1914 (17th December – 13th January 1915)
First Battle of Artois
This battle, fought on the Western Front between French and British troops against Germany, ended in stalemate.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between French and British troops against Germany, ended in stalemate.
1915
1915 (January)
The first Zeppelin raid was made on Britain.
1915 (February)
German Zeppelins dropped bombs on Yarmouth in Britain.
1915 (February)
Gallipoli Offensive
The British agreed to send British Empire troops to the Dardenelles to divert Turkish troops and stop them from attacking Russia.
The British agreed to send British Empire troops to the Dardenelles to divert Turkish troops and stop them from attacking Russia.
1915 (10th March – 13th March)
Battle of Neuve Chapelle
Fought on the Western Front between British and British Raj troops against Germany, this battle was a victory for the British.
Fought on the Western Front between British and British Raj troops against Germany, this battle was a victory for the British.
1915 (22nd April – 15th May)
Second Battle of Ypres
This battle was fought on the Western Front between British, Canadian, Indian, French, Algerian, Moroccan and Belgian troops against Germany. It was notorious for seeing the first use of chlorine gas by Germany and ended in stalemate.
This battle was fought on the Western Front between British, Canadian, Indian, French, Algerian, Moroccan and Belgian troops against Germany. It was notorious for seeing the first use of chlorine gas by Germany and ended in stalemate.
1915 (25th April)
The first Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landed at Gallipoli.
1915 (26th April)
Italy changed sides and joined the Allies.
1915 (7th May)
The passenger liner Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo because it was believed to be carrying weapons to Britain. The act caused an international outcry and Germany promised not to target passenger liners.
1915 (9th May – 18th June)
Second Battle of Artois
Fought on the Western Front between French, British, Canadian and Indian troops against Germany, this battle was inconclusive.
Fought on the Western Front between French, British, Canadian and Indian troops against Germany, this battle was inconclusive.
1915 (23rd May)
Italy declared war on Germany.
1915 (31st May)
German Zeppelins began bombing London.
1915 (23rd June – 7th July)
First Battle of Isonzo
This battle fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, was a victory for the Austro-Hungarians.
This battle fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, was a victory for the Austro-Hungarians.
1915 (18th July – 3rd August)
Second Battle of Isonzo
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle halted the Italian advance.
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle halted the Italian advance.
1915 (5th August)
German forces took control of Warsaw forcing the Russians out of Poland.
1915 (25th September – 4th November)
Battle of Artois-Loos
This battle fought on the Western Front between French and British troops against Germany, was a victory for Germany.
This battle fought on the Western Front between French and British troops against Germany, was a victory for Germany.
1915 (12th October)
Bulgaria joined the Central Powers and declared war on Serbia and sent troops to support the Austro-Hungarian army.
1915 (18th October – 3rd November)
Third Battle of Isonzo
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was a victory for Austria-Hungary.
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was a victory for Austria-Hungary.
1915 (10th – 24th November)
Battle of Kosovo
This battle saw Serbia defeated by a combined German, Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian force.
This battle saw Serbia defeated by a combined German, Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian force.
1915 (10th November – 2nd December)
Fourth Battle of Isonzo
This battle fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, was a victory for Austria-Hungary
This battle fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, was a victory for Austria-Hungary
1916
1916 (9th January)
The Gallipoli offensive ended in failure.
1916 (21st February – 18th December)
Battle of Verdun
This battle, fought on the Western Front between French and German troops, was the longest battle of the war. It ended in victory for the French but had cost the lives of more than 300,000 men.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between French and German troops, was the longest battle of the war. It ended in victory for the French but had cost the lives of more than 300,000 men.
1916 (9th March – 17th March)
Fifth Battle of Isonzo
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was a victory for Austria-Hungary.
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was a victory for Austria-Hungary.
1916 (31st May)
Battle of Jutland
This was the largest naval battle of World War One fought between a British fleet led by Admiral Jellicoe and a German fleet led by Reinhard Scheer. Although the battle was inconclusive, it reinforced British control of the North Sea and left the German fleet confined to port for most of the war.
This was the largest naval battle of World War One fought between a British fleet led by Admiral Jellicoe and a German fleet led by Reinhard Scheer. Although the battle was inconclusive, it reinforced British control of the North Sea and left the German fleet confined to port for most of the war.
1916 (4th June – 10th August)
Brusilov Offensive
Fought on the Eastern Front between the forces of Russia against a combined German, Austro-Hungarian and Turkish force, this battle ended with a Russian victory.
Fought on the Eastern Front between the forces of Russia against a combined German, Austro-Hungarian and Turkish force, this battle ended with a Russian victory.
1916 (10th June – 4th July)
Battle of Mecca
This battle between a combined Arab force and forces of the Ottoman Empire was a decisive victory for the Arabs and saw Ottonam forces severely weakened.
This battle between a combined Arab force and forces of the Ottoman Empire was a decisive victory for the Arabs and saw Ottonam forces severely weakened.
1916 (1st July – 18th November)
Battle of the Somme
This battle, fought on the Western Front between forces of the British Empire and France against Germany is notorious for being one of the most bloodiest battles ever fought. Around one million men lost their lives in this battle that saw neither side gain significant ground.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between forces of the British Empire and France against Germany is notorious for being one of the most bloodiest battles ever fought. Around one million men lost their lives in this battle that saw neither side gain significant ground.
1916 (4th August)
At the beginning of the war in 1914, Romania had declared neutrality. Romania now joined the Allies on a promise of gaining control of Transylvania at the end of the war.
1916 (6th August – 17th August)
Sixth Battle of Isonzo
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was an Italian victory.
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was an Italian victory.
1916 (14th September- 18th September)
Seventh Battle of Isonzo
This battle, fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, was a tactical victory for the Italians.
This battle, fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, was a tactical victory for the Italians.
1916 (15th September)
The British used a new weapon, the tank, at the Battle of the Somme.
1916 (10th October – 12th October)
Eighth Battle of Isonzo
This battle, fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops was inconclusive.
This battle, fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops was inconclusive.
1916 (1st November – 4th November)
Ninth Battle of Isonzo
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was inconclusive.
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle was inconclusive.
1916 (28th November)
The first German aeroplane raid on Britain.
1916 (6th December)
Battle of Bucharest
A combined force of the Central Powers invaded and occupied Bucharest, capital of Romania. The Romanian government and army fled to Moldova.
A combined force of the Central Powers invaded and occupied Bucharest, capital of Romania. The Romanian government and army fled to Moldova.
1917
1917 (19th January)
Zimmerman Telegram
Germany sent a message to Mexico proposing that Mexico enter the war in alliance with Germany in exchange for the return of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to Mexico.
Germany sent a message to Mexico proposing that Mexico enter the war in alliance with Germany in exchange for the return of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to Mexico.
1917 (1st February)
Germany began an unrestricted submarine campaign in the Atlantic Ocean hoping to prevent supplies reaching Britain and leading to the risk of starvation for the British people.
1917 (15th March [2nd March OS in Russia])
Following the February Revolution in Russia, Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate the throne.
1917 (26th March)
First Battle of Gaza
This battle, fought in Palestine between a British Empire force of British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand troops against a Turkish force, was a victory for the Turks.
This battle, fought in Palestine between a British Empire force of British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand troops against a Turkish force, was a victory for the Turks.
1917 (6th April)
Prompted by the German declaration of unrestricted torpedoing of ships in the Atlantic and publication of the Zimmerman telegram, the United states declared war on Germany.
1917 (9th April – 16th May)
Second Battle of Arras
This battle, was fought on the Western Front between troops of the British Empire against Germany. Although Canadian troops captured Vimy Ridge, the battle was indecisive.
This battle, was fought on the Western Front between troops of the British Empire against Germany. Although Canadian troops captured Vimy Ridge, the battle was indecisive.
1917 (16th April – 9th May)
Second Battle of the Aisne
Fought on the Western Front between French and German troops, this battle resulted in a victory for Germany.
Fought on the Western Front between French and German troops, this battle resulted in a victory for Germany.
1917 (17th April – 19th April)
Second Battle of Gaza
Fought in Palestine between British Empire and Turkish troops, this battle was a victory for the Turks.
Fought in Palestine between British Empire and Turkish troops, this battle was a victory for the Turks.
1917 (10th May – 18th June)
Tenth Battle of Isonzo
This battle fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, resulted in a small Italian advance.
This battle fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, resulted in a small Italian advance.
1917 (7th June – 14th June)
Second Battle of Messines
Fought on the Western Front between British Empire forces from Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought on the Western Front between British Empire forces from Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1917 (2nd July)
Greece ended its neutrality, joined the Allies and declared war on the Central Powers.
1917 (31st July – 10th November)
Battle of Passchendaele
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British Empire, French and Belgian forces against Germany, was a victory for the Germans.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British Empire, French and Belgian forces against Germany, was a victory for the Germans.
1917 (10th August – 12th September)
Eleventh Battle of Isonzo
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle resulted in a small Italian advance.
Fought on the Italian Front between Italian troops and Austro-Hungarian troops, this battle resulted in a small Italian advance.
1917 (24th October – 19th November)
Battle of Caporetto (12th Battle of Isonzo)
This battle, fought on the Italian Front, was a victory for the Central Powers
This battle, fought on the Italian Front, was a victory for the Central Powers
1917 (1st November – 2nd November)
Third Battle of Gaza
Fought in Palestine between forces of the British Empire and Turkish forces, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought in Palestine between forces of the British Empire and Turkish forces, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1917 (13th November)
Battle of Mughar Ridge
Fought in Palestine between British Empire troops and forces of the Ottoman and German Empires, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought in Palestine between British Empire troops and forces of the Ottoman and German Empires, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1917 (17th November – 30th December)
Battle of Jerusalem
Fought in Palestine between British Empire troops and forces of the Ottoman and German Empires, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought in Palestine between British Empire troops and forces of the Ottoman and German Empires, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1917 (20th November – 7th December)
Battle of Jerusalem
British Empire forces took control of Jerusalem.
British Empire forces took control of Jerusalem.
1917 (7th December)
The United States declared war on Austria-Hungary.
1917 (9th December)
Romania agreed an armistice with the Central Powers.
1918
1918 (3rd March)
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
This treaty ended hostilities between Germany and Russia and took Russia out of the war.
This treaty ended hostilities between Germany and Russia and took Russia out of the war.
1918 (1st April)
The British Royal Air Force was formed.
1918 (7th April – 29th April)
Battle of the Lys
This battle, fought on the Western Front between a combined British Empire, French, Belgian and Portuguese force against the German army, was a victory for Germany.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between a combined British Empire, French, Belgian and Portuguese force against the German army, was a victory for Germany.
1918 (27th May – 6th June)
Third Battle of the Aisne
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British Empire, French and American troops against Germany, halted a German advance.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British Empire, French and American troops against Germany, halted a German advance.
1918 (4th July)
Battle of Le Hamel
This battle, fought on the Western Front between the forces of Britain, Australia and the United States against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between the forces of Britain, Australia and the United States against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (15th July – 6th August)
Second Battle of Marne
Fought on the Western Front between an allied force of British Empire, American, French and Italian forces against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought on the Western Front between an allied force of British Empire, American, French and Italian forces against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (8th August – 11th August)
Battle of Amiens
Fought on the Western Front by British Empire, American and French forces against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought on the Western Front by British Empire, American and French forces against Germany, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (21st August – 23rd August)
Battle of Albert
This battle fought on the Western Front between British Empire troops against Germany was a prequel for the Second Battle of the Somme. The Germans were pushed back.
This battle fought on the Western Front between British Empire troops against Germany was a prequel for the Second Battle of the Somme. The Germans were pushed back.
1918 (26th August – 3rd September)
Second Battle of the Somme
This battle, fought on the Western Front by the forces of the British Empire and the United States against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
This battle, fought on the Western Front by the forces of the British Empire and the United States against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (12th September – 15th September)
Battle of St Mihiel
Fought on the Western Front between the forces of France and the United States against German and Austro-Hungarian forces, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought on the Western Front between the forces of France and the United States against German and Austro-Hungarian forces, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (15th – 18th September)
Battle of Dobro Pole
This battle between an Allied force of French, Greek and Serbian troops defeated a combined Bulgarian and German force at Dobro Pole (North Macedonia).
This battle between an Allied force of French, Greek and Serbian troops defeated a combined Bulgarian and German force at Dobro Pole (North Macedonia).
1918 (19th – 25th September)
Battle of Megiddo
Fought in Palestine between British Empire troops and forces of the Ottoman and German Empires, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought in Palestine between British Empire troops and forces of the Ottoman and German Empires, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (25th September)
British and French troops invaded Bulgaria.
1918 (26th September – 11th November)
Battle of Meuse-Argonne
This battle, fought on the Western Front between American and French forces against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between American and French forces against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (27th September – 1st October)
Battle of Canal du Nord
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British, Canadian and New Zealand forces against the German army, was a victory for the Allies.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British, Canadian and New Zealand forces against the German army, was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (29th September)
Armistice of Salonica
Germany’s ally, Bulgaria, surrendered.
Germany’s ally, Bulgaria, surrendered.
1918 (8th October – 10th October)
Second Battle of Cambrai
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British, Canadian and New Zealand forces against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
This battle, fought on the Western Front between British, Canadian and New Zealand forces against Germany, was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (24th October – 3rd November)
Battle of Vittorio Veneto
Fought on the Italian Front between a combined Italian, British, American and French force against Austria-Hungary, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
Fought on the Italian Front between a combined Italian, British, American and French force against Austria-Hungary, this battle was a victory for the Allies.
1918 (30th October)
Germany’s ally, Turkey, signed an armistice with the Allies.
1918 (3rd November)
Armistice of Villa Giusti
Germany’s ally, Austria-Hungary, signed an armistice.
Germany’s ally, Austria-Hungary, signed an armistice.
1918 (9th November)
Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated the German throne.
1918 (11th November)
Armistice of Compiegne
At 11am Germany signed an armistice ending World War One.
At 11am Germany signed an armistice ending World War One.
First published 2015; re-published Aug 03 2020 @ 1:10 pm – Updated – [last-modified]
Harvard Reference for this page:
Heather Y Wheeler. (2015 – 2020). World War One 1914 – 1918 Available: http://www.thetimelinegeekhttps://www.thetimelinegeek.com/world-war-one-1914-1918 Last accessed [date]