What was the German strategy in World War 1?
According to an aggressive military strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan (named for its mastermind, German Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen ), Germany began fighting World War I on two fronts, invading France through neutral Belgium in the west and confronting Russia in the east. On August 4, 1914, German troops crossed the border into Belgium.
What was the first year of World War 1?
Important events of 1914, the first year of the First World War, including the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (pictured to the left), the official start of the war and the trench warfare of the Western Front.
Where did the spark for World War 1 come from?
A number of alliances involving European powers, the Ottoman Empire, Russia and other parties had existed for years, but political instability in the Balkans (particularly Bosnia, Serbia and Herzegovina) threatened to destroy these agreements. The spark that ignited World War I was struck in Sarajevo, Bosnia,…
When did the US declare war on Germany in World War 1?
In February 1917, Congress passed a $250 million arms appropriations bill intended to make the United States ready for war. Germany sunk four more U.S. merchant ships the following month, and on April 2 Woodrow Wilson appeared before Congress and called for a declaration of war against Germany.
How did pensions work in the First World War?
Pensions were granted for service in the First World War, and relatives were able to claim even if their husbands had died from a war related injury many years after 1918. The records are split between the Office of the Paymaster General (PMG) and the Ministry of Pensions (PIN).
What was the name of the war before World War 2?
Prior to World War II, the events of 1914–1918 were generally known as the Great War or simply the World War. In October 1914, the Canadian magazine Maclean’s wrote, „Some wars name themselves. This is the Great War.“