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Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. His death triggered a chain of events that led to the outbreak of World War I. -
Germany invaded Belgium, leading Britain to declare war on Germany and marking the full outbreak of World War I. Most of Europe was drawn into the conflict as alliances activated. -
Allied forces stopped the German advance just outside Paris, ending Germany’s hopes for a quick victory in World War I. The battle led to a long, deadly stalemate on the Western Front. -
A German U-boat sank the British passenger ship Lusitania, killing nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans. The tragedy turned U.S. public opinion sharply against Germany. -
Germany launched a massive attack on the French fortress city of Verdun. It became one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, symbolizing French determination and sacrifice. -
A German submarine torpedoed the French passenger ferry Sussex, injuring Americans on board. The attack prompted the U.S. to demand Germany stop targeting civilian ships. -
The Allies launched a major offensive along the Somme River to relieve pressure on Verdun. Over one million soldiers were killed or wounded, with little territorial gain. -
Germany secretly proposed a military alliance with Mexico if the U.S. entered the war against Germany. When Britain intercepted and revealed the message, American outrage grew. -
Germany resumed sinking all ships, including neutral ones, in Allied waters. This policy directly threatened American lives and commerce, pushing the U.S. toward war. -
The U.S. Senate voted to declare war on Germany after repeated provocations. America joined the Allies to make the world “safe for democracy.” -
Congress passed a law requiring men aged 21 to 30 to register for the military draft. It allowed the U.S. to quickly build a large army for the war. -
The law made it illegal to interfere with the draft or aid America’s enemies. It was used to suppress antiwar dissent and espionage during WWI. -
The first U.S. troops, led by General John J. Pershing, arrived in France. Their arrival boosted Allied morale and marked America’s active role in the war. -
President Woodrow Wilson outlined his vision for a just peace, including self-determination and the League of Nations. The plan aimed to prevent future wars. -
A deadly influenza outbreak began spreading worldwide, killing millions. The pandemic struck soldiers and civilians alike, worsening wartime suffering. -
Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, ending its participation in the war. This allowed Germany to focus its forces on the Western Front. -
This law expanded the Espionage Act, punishing criticism of the government, flag, or military. It further restricted free speech during wartime. -
American and Allied forces launched their final major offensive against Germany. The intense fighting helped force Germany to seek an armistice. -
Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies, ending the fighting on the Western Front. The “war to end all wars” was officially over. -
Allied leaders signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ending the war with Germany. The treaty imposed harsh reparations and established the League of Nations