Events leading up to WWI

  • Murder of the Royal Couple

    Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife made a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia. After the attempted bombing of the royal car the couple escaped unscaved and continued their trip only to later be shot dead by Gavrilo Princip, who was a terrorist. shortly after Austria-Hungary declared was on Serbia, setting the stage for European War.
  • Wilson Adopts Nuetrality

    After the war began Wilson decided to keep the U.S. nuetral. although the U.S. would support tthe war through the offer to loan or sell weapons to each side. However a large immigrant born part of the U.S. found it hard to remain neutral because of the strong emotional and economic ties to their home country. While on the western front, Intense fighting by the British, French, Germans, and Belgians ended in a stalemate.
  • German U-boats introduced

    German U-boats (submarines) attacks sunk enemy ships without warning. Along with war ships merchant ships were also in danger. Wilson stated that he would hold strict accountability to Germany for any American causualities.
  • Lusitania is sunk by Germany

    128 American travelers died on high seas attack. After reviewing all of the facts Wilson demanded "unrestricted submarine warfare" although the risk of the U.S. being involved in war escalated.
  • Sussex pledge

    The French linnear, Sussex was sank injuring many Americans. The Germans agreed if Wilson would agree to force Britain to end its blockade. Former president, Roosevelt lead the preparedness movement so that if the U.S. had to fight it would be ready. Wilson eventually agrees with the movement and orders to begin preparing the largest navy in the world.
  • "A War To End All Wars."

    With the announcement of "peace without victory" Wilson hoped the Germans would back down. The Zimmerman Note stirred anti-German feelings throughout the U.S.
  • U.S. Enters War

    Wilson states that nuetralitly is no longer feesable. and that the worldd must be made safe for democracy. The senate voted 82 to 6 to declare war on Germany.