Historical Timelines
Explore the chronological progression of events from World War I and World War II
World War I (1914-1918)
Key events and milestones
June 28
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary assassinated in Sarajevo
This event triggered the diplomatic crisis that led to the declaration of war
August
Germany Declares War on Russia and France
Following the Austro-Hungarian declaration of war on Serbia, Germany enters the conflict
May 31
Battle of Jutland
Major naval engagement between British and German fleets in the North Sea
The largest battleship engagement of the war
April 6
United States Enters the War
US declares war on Germany following unrestricted submarine warfare
November 11
Armistice Day
Cessation of fighting on the Western Front
Fighting ended at 11:00 AM - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
World War II (1939-1945)
Key events and milestones
September 1
Invasion of Poland
Germany invades Poland, marking the start of World War II in Europe
June 22
Operation Barbarossa
Germany launches surprise invasion of the Soviet Union
Opening of the Eastern Front, the largest military operation in history
December 7
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japan attacks US naval base, leading to American entry into the war
June 6
D-Day: Normandy Landings
Allied invasion of Normandy, France - Operation Overlord
The largest amphibious invasion in military history
May 7
Germany Surrenders
Unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies
Victory in Europe (VE Day)
August 15
Japan Surrenders
Japan announces surrender following atomic bombings
Victory over Japan (VJ Day) - End of World War II