Events of the United States during World War I

Declaration of Neutrality

Aug 4, 1914

The United States declared neutrality in the war on August 4, 1914.

Sinking of the Lusitania

May 18, 1915

The ocean liner, the Lusitania, was sunken by a German U-boat on May 18, 1915.

Beginning of the Sussex Pledge

May 18, 1916

Germany agrees to suspend unrestricted submarine warfare in the form of the Sussex Pledge, made on May 18, 1916.

Zimmerman Note

Jan 16, 1917

The German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann sends a telegram to his ambassador in Mexico, instructing him to propose to the Mexican government an alliance against the United States.

End of Sussex Pledge

Feb 1, 1917

Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare, thus ending the Sussex Pledge on February 1, 1917

3 American Ships Targeted

Mar 1, 1917

3 American ships were targeted during the month of March, 1917 by German U-boats.

Declaration of War

Apr 18, 1917

The United States officially declared war on Germany on April 18, 1917.