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The Spark
Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand (the heir to the throne) was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a member of Serbia's (Bosnia) terrorist group Black Hand. -
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WWI Starts
Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia which Serbia declined. This caused Austria to declare war on Serbia, Serbia's ally, Russia then declares war on Austria. Then Germany declares war on France and neutral Belgium, which causes Britain to side up with France and Russia. Ottoman Empire joins Germany and America calls neutrality. -
Lusitania Sinks
A German submarine sinks the Lusitania. The ship carried 1,198 people, 128 of them Americans. This angers many people in America. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
British intelligence gives Wilson the so-called Zimmermann Telegram. This was a message from German secretary Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico to side with Germany. In return, Germany promised to return Texas back to them but Mexico declines it. Outrageous, America is eager to enter the war. -
America Enters War
The Zimmerman Telegram angers more Americans which causes America to enter World War I with France and Britain. -
The Fourteen Points
Wilson lists his goals including a League of Nations to end WWI peacefully. -
Armistice Day
The Germans surrender thinking they will be in peace under Wilson's fourteen points. On the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, and on the eleventh hour ended WWI. This day is also known as Veterans Day. -
The Treaty of Versailles
Germany and "Big Four" (Britain, France, Italy, and Russia) sign a treaty that leaves the Germans devastated. This makes them give up a lot of their economy to fix damages and some land. This also angers many Germans.