The First World War (1914-18)

June 28, 1919

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, France. This date is exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, which started the war. The treaty was negotiated during the Paris Peace Conference by the 'Big Four' - Lloyd George (Britain), Woodrow Wilson (USA), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Vittorio Orlando (Italy). The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany and officially ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers.

Battle of Marne

The Battle of Marne, fought in September 1914, was a turning point of the war because it failed all German attempts to crush France. In this battle, French and British armies attacked the Germans and pushed them back to the River Aisne, where the German army had to dig trenches. This battle marked the beginning of trench warfare and showed that Germany's quick victory plan (Schlieffen Plan) had failed. The German failure at Marne meant the war would be prolonged rather than ending quickly.

1917

The USA entered the First World War on April 6, 1917. The main reason was the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, which killed about 1,100 passengers including 128 Americans. This incident outraged the American public. The USA's entry was significant because it brought enormous resources to the Allied side and helped turn the tide of the war. The fresh American troops and supplies proved crucial in the final Allied victory in 1918.

Geneva, Switzerland

The headquarters of the League of Nations was established in Geneva, Switzerland. The League was set up on January 10, 1920, by American President Woodrow Wilson as an international organization to maintain world peace and prevent future wars. Geneva was chosen because Switzerland was neutral during World War I and was seen as a suitable location for an international peace organization. The League had five main organs: the General Assembly, the Council, the Permanent Court of International Justice, the Secretariat, and various Commissions and Committees.