US History Timeline

  • The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

    Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife go to visit Sarajevo in Bosnia. While they were there a bomb was thrown at their auto but it missed. They continued their visit but they were soon shot by a lone assassin.
    This is significant to the US because it led to World War I.
  • The US declares neutrality

    The US declares neutrality

    The United States declared neutrality.
    This is significant to the United States because the United States can stay away from anything that might cause them to go into war.
  • Lusitania Sank

    Lusitania Sank

    A German U-Boat sank the Lusitania in 18 minutes. It drowned 1,201 people and 128 of them were Americans. President Wilson then sent four diplomatic protests to Germany subsequently.
    This is significant to the United States because this happening set off other event and it eventually led to the United States entering World War I.
  • President Woodrow Wilson was re-elected

    President Woodrow Wilson was re-elected

    The Americans re-elected President Woodrow Wilson because they said that he kept them out of war.
    This is significant to the United States because it helps them stay out of War.
  • The Zimmerman Telegram

    The Zimmerman Telegram

    The British intercept a telegram sent by Alfred Zimmermann in the German Foreign Office. Its message outlines plans for an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the United States. According to the scheme, Germany would provide tactical support while Mexico would benefit by expanding into the American Southwest, and retrieving territories that had once been part of Mexico.
    This is significant to the US because it helped Congress to declare war against Germany in 1917.
  • US declares war against Germany

    US declares war against Germany

    The United States declares war against Germany.
    This is significant to the United States because it marked a major turning point the World War I. Also, it contributed to the defeat of Germany and the United States victory.
  • American Troops land in France

    American Troops land in France

    The first American troops land in France.
    This is significant to the United States because it clarified the United States full commitment to the fight against Central Powers
  • The Sedition Act

    The Sedition Act

    The United States Congress passed the Sedition Act. It was meant to extend the Espionage Act of 1917.
    This was significant to the United States because it made it illegal to publish any false writing about the government.
  • The Armistice

    The Armistice

    In a railway car at Compiègne, France, the Germans sign the Armistice. Fighting continues all along the Western Front. With 2,000 casualties experienced that day by all sides. Artillery barrages also erupt, soldiers yearn to claim they fired the very last shot in the war.
    This is significant to the United States because it marks the day that World War I officially ended with the signing of an armistice. Now 11/11 is known as Veterans Day honoring the American veterans from wars
  • Treaty of Versailles

    Treaty of Versailles

    At the Palace of Versailles in France, a German delegation signs the Treaty formally ending the war. It had 230 pages. Germans back home react with mass demonstrations against the perceived harshness, especially clauses that assess sole blame for the war on Germany.
    This is significant to the United States because it was the day the war formally ended.