The Allies launch an offensive along the Somme in northeastern France. By the end of the battle in November the Allies had advanced several miles, but failed to achieve a breakthrough. The Germans sustained 650,000 casualties, the French 195,000, and the British 420,000.

9 Aug.

Italian troops capture Gorizia (in present-day northeastern Italy).

24 Aug.

German socialist leader Karl Liebknecht is jailed for his role in organizing antiwar protests.

27 Aug.

Italy declares war on Germany, Romania declares war on Austria; and Germany declares war on Romania.

Paul von Hindenburg, hero of the Battle of Tannenberg, is named chief of the German general staff.

Sept.

Tanks are used for the first time in warfare, when the Allies deploy them against German positions in the Battle of the Somme.

3 Sept.

Dar es Salaam falls to the British.

0 Sept.

The Allies begin an offensive in Salonika, Greece.

16 Sept..

German reinforcements of the Austrian army prevent Russia from...