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a German U-Boat sinks the Lusitania, a British passenger liner, off the Irish coast. 1,201 people, including 128 Americans, drown in just 18 minutes. President Woodrow Wilson sends four diplomatic protests to Germany, signaling increasing tension and eventually leading the United States to join World War I. -
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo marked the beginning of World War I. The key people involved were the archduke, Gavrilo Princip (the assassin), and Austria-Hungary. This event eventually led to the United States joining the war in 1917 due to factors such as German submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. -
Great Britain's declaration of war on Germany, extending to all Dominions within the British Empire, marked the official entry of the empire into World War I. This event involved key people like King George V and signaled a significant turning point in the conflict. The declaration's significance to the United States lies in the potential impact on American interests and the eventual U.S. involvement in the war in 1917. -
In the presidential election of 1916, American voters re-elect President Woodrow Wilson, who had campaigned on the slogan, "He kept us out of war." Despite growing tensions and the sinking of the Lusitania, Wilson's message resonates with the public, highlighting their desire to avoid being drawn into the ongoing conflict in Europe. -
The Zimmermann telegram event revealed Germany's potential plans to ally with Mexico and attack the United States. This event had a profound impact on American sentiments, as it escalated public support for intervention in World War I. The intercepted telegram, its public disclosure, and the subsequent outrage from interventionists like Teddy Roosevelt contributed to a shift in U.S. foreign policy, ultimately leading to the nation's entry into the Great War. -
The United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, after the Zimmermann telegram was intercepted and made public. The telegram revealed Germany's plans for an alliance with Mexico against the United States, causing a shift in public sentiment and increased support for intervention. This declaration marked the United States' entry into World War I and its commitment to join the fight against Germany and its allies. -
The United States joined World War I in 1917, after the Zimmermann telegram exposed Germany's plans to join forces with Mexico against the US. This revelation shifted public sentiment and led to increased support for intervention. In response, the US declared war on Germany and its allies, marking its entry into the conflict. The first American troops landed in France to support the Allies in their fight against the Central Powers. -
The Sedition Act of 1918 was enacted on May 16, 1918, . The new act expanded the scope of offenses to include speech and expression that was deemed critical of the government or the war effort, or that interfered with the sale of government bonds. This act was passed in an effort to suppress dissent and maintain support for the war. It was controversial and has since been criticized for its impact on free speech rights. -
The Armistice of Compiègne, signed on November 11th, 1918, marked the end of World War I. Key people involved were the German representatives and Allied leaders. The armistice took effect at 11 am, symbolizing the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This event was significant to the United States as it brought an end to the war and showcased the victory of the Allied forces, in which the US played a prominent role. -
At the Palace of Versailles in France, a German delegation signed the Treaty, formally ending the war. The treaty, consisting of 230 pages, contained terms that differed greatly from President Wilson's Fourteen Points, disappointing the Germans. Back in Germany, mass demonstrations erupted in response to the perceived harshness of the treaty, particularly the clauses that placed sole blame for the war on Germany.