Timeline: World War I United States participation | Timetoast

Aug 4, 1914

Wilson declares U.S. neutrality

Reflecting strong public opinion, Wilson states that U.S. will not join the war
Period: Aug 4, 1914 to Aug 4, 1914

Wilson declares U.S. neutrality

Reflecting strong public opinion, Wilson states that U.S. will not join the war
Nov 1, 1916

Wilson wins 1916 presidential election
Nov 1, 1916

Wilson wins 1916 presidential election
Period: Nov 1, 1916 to Nov 1, 1916

Wilson wins 1916 presidential election

Declaring "he kept us out of war," Wilson and Democrats barely defeat Hughes and Republicans (277 to 254 in electoral college)
Jan 22, 1917

Wilson calls for "peace without victory"
Jan 22, 1917

Wilson calls for "peace without victory"
Period: Jan 22, 1917 to Jan 22, 1917

Wilson calls for "peace without victory"

Frustrated with his efforts to mediate a peace, Wilson becomes convinced that both sides needed to cease hostilities
Period: Feb 1, 1917 to Feb 2, 1917

Wilson asks Congress for greater powers

Senate, led by La Follette of Wisconsin, refuse to grant Wilson power to wage an undeclared naval war
Mar 15, 1917

Russian Revolution deposes Czar Nicholas
Period: Mar 15, 1917 to Mar 15, 1917

Russian Revolution deposes Czar Nicholas

Instability in Europe encourages Wilson to act
Period: Apr 2, 1917 to Apr 2, 1917

Wilson asks for declaration of war

"The world must be made safe for democracy," Wilson insists
May 1, 1917

War Industries Board created
May 1, 1917

Food Administration formed
Period: May 1, 1917 to May 2, 1917

Food Administration formed

Herbert Hoover heads effort to conserve food and boost agricultural output
Period: May 1, 1917 to May 2, 1917

War Industries Board created

Led by Bernard Baruch, the WIB set prices and determined what goods should be produced by private industry
Period: May 28, 1917 to May 29, 1917

Selective Service Act passed

Nearly 10 million men are listed and a lottery chooses first 687,000 to serve. Eventually 3,000,000 men serve as draftees in the war
Period: Jan 1, 1918 to Jan 2, 1918

14 Points declared

Wilson lists his goals for a war-free world, including a League of Nations
Period: May 1, 1918 to May 1, 1918

Chateau-Thierry

French and American troops block German advance
Period: May 28, 1918 to May 28, 1918

Cantigny

First victory for American troops