EUROPE GOES TO WAROne nation after another gets drawn into war with many casualties.

WWI BEGINSMobilization of troops

Russia mobilizes troops to Austria and Germanys borders.

Germany declares war on Russia, and attacks France.

Great Britain declares war on Germany.

CENTRAL POWERSGermanyAustria HungaryItaly (thru 1915)Ottoman EmpireBulgaria (1915)

ALLIED POWERSBritainFranceRussiaJapanItaly (1915)United States (1917)

THE CONFLICT CONTINUESWestern Front- heavy battle zone in northern FranceSchlieffen Plan- attacking France first then fighting Russia.

Germany advances to Paris.Forced to retreat at the First Battle of the Marne.Schlieffen Plan Fails and Germany has to fight a two – front war.

SCHLIEFFEN PLAN

STALEMATEWar in the Trenches

Trench warfare- fighting from trenchesMany deaths, small land gainsLife in trenches is miserable, unsanitary, difficult

New weapons lead to even more deathsMassive losses on both sides at battle of Verdun and Somme.

THE BATTLE ON THE EASTERN FRONT Early Fighting

Eastern Front-site of fighting along the border of Germany and Russia

Russia pushes into Austria and Germany, but are forced to retreat

Russia Struggles Russia by 1916 has few supplies and many casualties Size of Russian army gives Germany trouble and prevents them from sending troops to the west