Category Archives: World War I

Assassin who sparked World War I sentenced to 20 years in prison 100 years ago today (Oct 28 1914)


Video: 'World War I: Gavrilo Princip's Final Days'

(Wednesday, October 28, 1914; during World War I) — Yugoslav nationalist Gavrilo Princip, whose assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, sparked World War I, was sentenced today in Sarajevo to 20 years’ imprisonment, escaping the death penalty because he was underaged.

Allies win decisive victory in First Battle of the Marne 100 years ago today (Sep 12 1914)


Video: 'The Great War - S01E05 - This Business May Last a Long Time' (Sept. 5-11, 1914, at 1:16-8:01)

(Saturday, September 12, 1914; during World War I) — The First Battle of the Marne ended in an Allied victory today, forcing the German Imperial Army to abandon its push on Paris and retreat north-west, leading to the “Race to the Sea.” Continue reading Allies win decisive victory in First Battle of the Marne 100 years ago today (Sep 12 1914)

Battle of Tannenberg begins on Eastern Front 100 years ago today (Aug 26 1914)


Video: 'The Great War episode 2 Stalemate' (Aug. 26-30, 1914, at 27:10)

(Wednesday, August 26, 1914, morning local time; part of the Eastern Front of World War I)The Battle of Tannenberg, an engagement between the Russian and the German Empires, began today near Allenstein, East Prussia (today Olsztyn, Poland), resulting in the almost complete destruction of the Russian Second Army.

27,000 French soldiers die in Battle of the Frontiers 100 years ago today (Aug 22 1914)


Video: 'The Great War episode 2 Stalemate' (Aug. 22, 1914, at 18:40)

(Saturday, August 22, 1914; during the Battle of the Frontiers of World War I) — On the same day Austria-Hungary declared war against Belgium, 27,000 French soldiers died in an offensive thrust to the east of Paris towards the German borders. It was the bloodiest day in the French Army’s entire history.

Germany declares war on France 100 years ago this afternoon (Aug 3 1914)


Video: 'The Great War - S01E02 - For Such a Stupid Reason Too' (Aug. 3, 1914, at 33:33, Germany declares war on France at 35:47)

(Monday, August 3, 1914, afternoon local time; during World War I) — Two days after declaring war on Russia, Germany declared war on France and prepared moved into Belgium today, moving ahead with a long-held strategy, conceived by the former chief of staff of the German army, Alfred von Schlieffen, for a two-front war against France and Russia.

Germany declares war on Russia 100 years ago tonight (Aug 1 1914)


Video: 'The Great War - S01E02 - For Such a Stupid Reason Too' (August 1, 1914, at 30:03)

(Saturday, August 1, 1914, 7:30 p.m. local time; during World War I) — The German Ambassador, in the name of his Government, sent a declaration of war to the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs at 7:30 o’clock this evening. Count von Pourtales and the entire staff of the German Embassy then left St. Petersburg.