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World War I officially starts
World War I officially starts with the Treaty of Versailles. -
United States strict neutrality
the United States, under President Woodrow Wilson, had maintained strict neutrality, other than providing material assistance to the Allies. -
Germany sinks the Lusitania
When a German submarine sank the British ocean liner Lusitania, killing 128 U.S. citizens out of a total 1,200 dead, the United States, though in uproar, remained neutral. -
Zimmerman note intercepted
British intercepted a message, called the Zimmerman Note,asking the government of Mexico to declare war on the U.S., if war broke out between the U. S. and Germany. The note also promised to help Mexico regain the territory of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico if Mexico declared war on the United States. This note was the final push that Wilson needed to turn public sentiment towards war. -
Germany lifts restrictions on submarine warfare
This declaration meant that German U-boat commanders were suddenly authorized to sink all ships that they believed to be providing aid of any sort to the Allies. -
Germans sink American cargo ship Housatonic
The Housotonic was the first victim of Germany's new lift of restrictions. -
Neutrality is no longer feasable for the U.S.
Wilson tried hard to keep the United States neutral, by the spring of 1917, the situation had changed significantly, and neutrality no longer seemed feasible. Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare was taking its toll, as American ships, both cargo and passenger, were sunk one after another. -
President Wilson presents declaration of war
on April 2, Wilson appeared before Congress and requested a declaration of war. -
U.S. officially declares war on Germany
US enters warU.S. congress responds to Woodraw's war request officially declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917. -
Selective Service Act
Congress passes the Selective Service Act authorizing the draft. Although criticized for destroying democracy at home while fighting for it abroad, President Wilson claims he sees no other option and signs the bill into law. -
Battle of Cantigny
The Battle of Cantigny is the first major American offensive of the war. Though small in scale, the Americans fight bravely and soon go on to larger attacks against German positions. -
Battle of Belleau Wood
Trench warfareThe Battle of Belleau Wood begins as the U.S. Marine Corps attacks the Germans across an open field of wheat, suffering huge casualties. -
World War I Officially Ends
WWI: An armistice (ceasefire) came into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918
