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The United States of America officially announced it was "impartial in thought as well as in action,". Even though they did join the war later. -
The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by German U-boats off the coast the Ireland. Sinking it in minutes and killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans. The attack sparked international outrage and also contributed to shifting U.S. public opinion toward joining WW1. -
President Wilson delivered his famous Peace Without Victory speech to the Senate, expressing his hope to end the war in Europe. He argued that only such peace could lead to lasting stability and prevent future wars. However the speech was largely ignored by the warring nations, who remained committed to the war. -
German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann wrote to Mexico to offer US territory in exchange for engaging the USA in battle on the Homefront. This outraged the American public and helped push the U.S. closer to entering WW1. -
On this day, President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. In his speech he famously stated "the world must be made safe for democracy." This marked the U.S. official move toward entering WW1. -
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Congress approved Wilsons request for a declaration of war against Germany, so the U.S. officially entered WW1. -
Austria-Hungary responded to the U.S declaration of war on Germany by severing diplomatic relations with the U.S. -
Bulgaria severed diplomatic ties with the U.S. following their declaration of war on Germany. -
Turkey, an ally of Germany's, formally cut all diplomatic ties with the United States. -
The Selective Service Act was signed by President Wilson. The act required all men aged between 21 to 30 to register for the draft. -
Made it illegal to interfere with military operations or support U.S enemies, leading to limits on free speech during the war. -
The United States also formally declared war on Austria-Hungary. -
President Wilson delivered his Fourteen Points speech to the U.S. Congress, outlining his vision for a lasting peace after WW1. The speech called for free trade, open diplomacy, and the creation of a League of Nations to ensure global security. -
The Sedition Act outlined harsh punishments for those who disobeyed the Espionage Act. -
The Battle of Belleau Wood, part of the Allied response to the German Spring Offensive, was the first WWI battle in which the American marines fought. -
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Germany and the Allies signed the Armistice of Compiegne. Leading to Germany officially surrendering World War One. -
The Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World War 1. The treaty placed full blame for the war on Germany, limited Germany's military, and redrew European borders. It's harsh terms contributed to political and economic issues in Germany that eventually led to WW2.