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Assassination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo. He was shot and killed during his trip to the hospital to visit his people. This was a major component of what started the war. Many things led to the war but this was the spark that lit the flame. -
Russia
Russia moves towards Austria-Hungary to help out Serbia. Serbia and Austria-Hungary were in the middle of a feud. Russia and Serbia were very close allies, which is why Russia stepped in and helped. This causes the rest of the European Great Powers to move. -
Germany Invades
Britain tells Germany that whatever they do, they’re not aloud to invade Belgium. They wanted to keep Belgium neutral. Of course, they decide not to listen and move into Belgium. Britain gets angry and joins the fight. -
Lusitania Sinks
German sub sinks the Lusitania. This ship was carrying 1,198 passengers when it was sunk. 128 of these passengers were American. This angers the United States and they want something done to fix it. -
Submarine Warfare
Germany promises to stop Submarine warfare. This is an attempt to keep the United States out of the war. Now that they can’t take down ships, France and Britain are able to receive supplies from the Americans. This is bad for Germany because their enemies are getting help. -
America Wants To Join
Germany begins to use submarines for attacks again even though it’s not aloud. They go into European waters and fight against britain using the subs. This angers the United States because of their agreement. This is when America decides they want to join the fight. -
Zimmerman Telegram
The zimmerman telegram is given to the Americans by the British. This is a telegram from Germany sent to Mexico. The letter states that they will get Mexico’s land back from America, in exchange for help in the war. Mexico ends up declining the offer though. This telegram angers America and pushes the public opinion to support the entrance of the war. -
America Joins the Fight
Congress realizes that everyone wants to join the war. They hate everything that Germany is doing. America wants to stop Germany from getting anymore power. On this day, America joins the war, on France and Britain’s side. -
The Draft
President Woodrow Wilson realizes his military isn’t big enough to join the war. He decides to sign the Selective Service Act. This act authorizes the draft to begin. The draft creates a larger army in order to fight the war. -
Clotfelter Drafted
Men were drafted into the war and moved into their bases. Many were drafted before this time but Norvel P. Clotfelter and others were moved into their base on this day. Clotfelter said, “We arrived at San Antonio abt. 7. 750 in bunch”. -
Disease In Camp
At the camp Clotfelter stayed at, there was an outbreak of the measles and mumps. He had to get quarantined, along with half of the camp. Because of the quarantine, he had to quit going to school. They had an inspection for Venereal disease and vermin. They ended up finding one case of crabs in the camp. -
Target Practice
4 more men are sent to the hospital with a case of mumps. Many of the soldier are having to be in the hospital because of the disease. Clotfelter spends his day at the rifle range shooting his machine gun. He made 6 bullseyes. -
Christmas
Clotfelter is still under quarantine on Christmas. This was his first Christmas with the U.S.N.A. The soldiers there were served a Christmas dinner. They also received a Christmas packed from Red Cross. Clotfelter used this day to enjoy life and not worry about the war. -
Care Package
Norvel got a box full of goodies from his family today. He is getting sick and doesn’t feel too good. He hasn’t been put to much work. He mainly works in the supply room and doesn’t drill very often. He also hasn’t been eating very much and still is in quarantine. -
German/Russia Treaty
Germany and Russia sign a peace treaty. This gives Germany a huge amount of land that belonged to Ukraine and Poland. This treaty also allows German forces to move their soldiers to the western front. This causes a big problem for the Allies
