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Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian nationalist group. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia;
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia; entangling alliances leads to the beginning of World War I in Europe. The USA declares neutrality -
Lusitania is sunk by a German submarine
The RMS Lusitania is sunk by a German submarine, leading to the death of over 1,000 passengers, including 128 Americans. -
Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare
Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare. T
hey believed thewy could end the war before the United States would be prepared to enter WWI. -
Zimmerman Telegram
President Woodrow Wilson is informed of the Zimmerman Telegram (Germany attempting to bring Mexico into WWI). -
America declares war on Germany
The United States of America declares war on Germany, mobilizing for war. -
Selective Service Act
President Wilson signed the Selective Service Act of 1917 into law. Males ages 21-30 had to register for possible drafting into the armed services. -
Espionage Act of 1917
The USA passes the Espionage Act of 1917. This prevented insubordination in the military, and helped to prevent the support of United States enemies during wartime. -
Sedition Act of 1918
The USA passes the Sedition Act of 1918 (further limited freedom of speech). -
Signed Armistice
Germany and the Allied Powers signed an armistice (an agreement to stop fighting). -
Treaty of Versailles
Germany, the Allied Powers, and America sign the Treaty of Versailles, ending World War I.
