-
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
A teenage Serbian nationalist killed Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, as they rode through the streets of Sarajevo. Ferdinand was next in line for the Austro-Hungarian throne, and he was not well liked in aristocratic circles. His death set off the chain reaction that ultimately led to World War I. -
President Wilson Urges Neutrality
As World War I broke out around Europe, President Wilson remained neutral, appealing to the approval of the public. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
A German U-boat off the coast of Ireland torpedoed the RMS Lusitania, sinking it in just 18 minutes. The sinking killed 1,198 passengers and crewmembers including 128 Americans. After this incident, propaganda in America began to take form. -
Zimmerman Note
German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to Mexico offering to restore them with the territories lost in the Mexican-American war in return for joining the German allies. -
United States Declares War
President Woodrow Wilson formally asks Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. Congress granted the request 4 days later on April 6, 1917. -
Creation of the CPI
The Committee on Public Information (CPI) promoted the war domestically while publicizing American war aims abroad. -
Selective Service Act
This act allowed the United States to raise a national army for service in WW1 through conscription. -
Espionage Act
This act made it illegal to say anything disloyal toward the United States government. -
American Troops Arrive in Europe
The first American troops, often called doughboys, arrive in the French port of Saint Nazaire. -
Wilson's 14 Points
Wilson's 14 points was a statement of principles for peace in order to end WW1. -
Period: to
Second Battle of Marne
This battle took place at the Aisne-Marne Sector, 75 Miles Northeast of Paris and was the allies' first victorious offense of 1918. -
German Surrender in Compiegne, France
The Germans surrendered in Compiegne, France at approximately 11 am. -
Period: to
Paris Peace Conference
Peace talks began at this conference. While over 30 countries participated, the conference was dominated by the "big four" including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and France. -
Rejection of the Treaty of Versailles
The Senate rejected the treaty based on objections to the League of Nations. The United States never ratified the treaty or joined the League of Nations.
