The Battle of Coronel
On November 1, 1914, a German squadron under Maximilian von Spee destroyed a British force off Coronel on the coast of Chile.
Russia Declares War on the Ottoman Empire
On November 2, 1914, Russia declared war on the Ottoman Empire after its warships shelled Russian ports on the Black Sea.
Britain and France Declare War on the Ottoman Empire
On November 5, 1914, Britain and France declared war on the Ottoman Empire, opening fronts from the Caucasus to the Suez Canal.
Edith Cavell Is Executed by a German Firing Squad
British nurse Edith Cavell was executed in Brussels on October 12, 1915, for helping Allied soldiers escape occupied Belgium.
Tanks Are Used in Battle for the First Time
On September 15, 1916, British tanks were used for the first time in battle at Flers-Courcelette on the Somme.
An Act Proclaims a Polish Kingdom
On November 5, 1916, Germany and Austria-Hungary proclaimed a kingdom of Poland on land taken from Russia during the war.
Mata Hari Is Executed by a French Firing Squad
Mata Hari, the Dutch dancer Margaretha Zelle, was executed by firing squad at Vincennes on October 15, 1917, for espionage.
The Battle of Caporetto
On October 24, 1917, Austro-German forces broke the Italian line at Caporetto, forcing a retreat of more than 100 kilometres to the Piave river.
The War Poet Wilfred Owen Dies in France
On November 4, 1918, war poet Wilfred Owen was killed in France, a week before the armistice.