Description
World War I, or the “Great War” was triggered by the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, by Serbian separatists on June 28, 1914. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia one month later. Germany immediately sided with Austria while Russia sided with Serbia. War soon broke out bringing France, Belgium and Britain against Germany, while Bulgaria and Turkey joined with Austria and Germany. Confused? So were most Americans who wanted to stay out of the messy European war. President Woodrow Wilson agreed and promised to keep the United States out of the war.
In time, the true costs of World War I were revealed. Wounds of war included fourteen million people—civilians and combatants—killed; over $3 billion spent; four empires destroyed; the world map changed by revolution and treaty; and an unknown loss of spirit for many. Twenty years after the...
Published 07/05/17
Although many soldiers did not come home following World War I, the number of U.S. casualties was small compared to that of European armies. Still, the 585 Days between Declaration of War on April 6, 1917, and the Armistice of November 11, 1918, comprised a deadly period in American military...
Published 07/05/17