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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip set off a chain reaction of event leading to World War 1. This event is significant for the United States because it marked the beginning of a conflict that would eventually draw the US into the war altering its foreign policy and military engagement.
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Germany's invasion of Belgium promoted Britian to declare war on Germany, giving an escalation in the conflict to go farther. For the United States, this event showed the growing tensions in Europe and the international alliances, making the war bigger and worrying the United States.
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The British Ocean liner Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat, resulting in the deaths of 128 AMericans. This event stirred anti-German sentiments in the US and was big movement making the public opinion in involvement in World War 1, wanting to join it.
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President Woodrow Wilson was re-elected, running on the platform of keeping the United States out of the war. His slogan, " He kept us out of war "His victory indicated a strong desire among Americans to avoid involvement in European conflicts, but it also set the stage for future decisions that would lead the US into war. The events following the months such as the Zimmermann Telegram, would shift the public opinion.
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The British intercepted a secret telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman to the Mexican government proposing a military alliance against the US Germany promised Mexico the return of territories lost in the Mexican American war in exchange for support. The Zimmermann Telegram was a crucial factor in swaying AMerican public opinion towards war. Germany's secret plans to incite war against the US on its own land generated huge outrage and disagreed for support.
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President Wilson asked Congress to declare was on Germany and Congress approved. The significance for the US is it marked the end of US disputed in any war and the beginning of American participation in World War one, dramatically impacting its foreign policy, economy, and society. The US entry shifted the balance of power in the war.
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The vanguard of the AEF, under the command of General John, arrived in France. While initially with small force, the American troops served a significant morale booster for the Allied powers, who were facing a heavy loss already. The significance for the US, is the deployment of fresh AMerican resources. It signaled a shift in the balance of power on the Western front and laid down the groundwork for the contributions American forces would make in the final stages of the war.
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The Sedition Act, significantly reduced freedom of speech in the US. The act criminalized any speech, or actions consider to be obstructive of the war effort, including criticism of the government, military and war itself. This definition allowed the persecution of many individuals who expressed opposition to the war, even though if minor actions or statements. The significance to the United States was reflected of differ opinions during the war, impacting civil war liberties in the US.
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Armistice was signed between Germany and the Allied powers, bringing an end to WW1. The signing took place in a railway carriage in Compiegne, France, marked the end of conflict after more than four years of war. The significance for the US marked a pivotal moment in American history and transforming it into a major global power. The war effort grew industrial growth, expanded the US military, and altered Americas role in international affairs, marking the beginning of a sustained period.
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The Treaty of Versailles ended WW1. It imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses and reparations, and created the League of Nations. Key figures included Wilson, Clemenceau, Lloyd George, and Orlando. The significance for the US is the Senates rejected this and this was a massive rejection of his foreign policy and showed how strong isolationist feelings were in the US after the war.