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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austo-Hungarian throne, by a Serbian nationalist, ignites a chain of events that results in World War I.
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Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
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As an ally of Serbia, Russia fully mobilizes its armed forces.
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Germany warned Russia that to continue to full mobilization against Austria-Hungary would mean war with Germany. While insisting that Russia immediately halt mobilization, Germany began its own mobilization; when the Russians refused the German demands, Germany declared war
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Germany declares war on France.
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In an effort to capture Paris quickly, Germany invades neutral Belgium. Britain responds by declaring war on Germany.
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Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia.
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The British ship, the Lusitania, is torpedoed and sinks off the Irish coast; 1,198 passengers drown, including 114 Americans.
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Germany responds to U.S. anger by ending its policy of sinking ships without warning.
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Henry Ford charters a "Peace Ship," in an effort to end World War I.
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April 19: President Woodrow Wilson publicly demands that Germany end unrestricted submarine warfare.
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A bomb explodes at a pro-war preparedness parade in San Francisco, killing ten.
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Woodrow Wilson re-elected President of the United States with campaign slogan: "He kept us out of the war"
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Britain intercepts and translates German Foreign Secretary Zimmermann's telegram to Mexico urging its entry into war against the United States.
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In a speech asking Congress to declare war against Germany, President Wilson says, "The world must be made safe for democracy."
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The United States declares war on the Central Powers. Six Senators and 50 Representatives vote against the declaration.
