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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the spark that triggered World War I by setting off a chain reaction of alliances and escalating tensions across Europe. -
American neutrality in World War I was crucial early on because it kept the U.S. out of conflict, preserved economic stability, and allowed the country to later influence the war’s outcome and postwar peace on its own terms. -
The Battle of the Marne was a pivotal turning point in World War I, as it halted the German invasion of France and marked the beginning of a prolonged, deadly stalemate in trench warfare. -
The Battle of Verdun was significant as a symbol of French resilience and a devastating struggle that drained both French and German forces without a decisive victory. -
The Sussex Incident of 1916 was important because it escalated tensions between the United States and Germany, eventually contributing to the U.S. entering World War I. -
The sinking of the Lusitania was significant because it killed American civilians and increased anti-German sentiment, helping push the United States toward joining World War I. -
The Battle of the Somme was important because it was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War I, highlighting the brutal nature of trench warfare and leading to significant changes in military tactics. -
The Zimmermann Telegram was important because its interception and revelation helped turn American public opinion against Germany, leading the United States to enter World War I. -
Unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany was important because it targeted all ships, including civilian and neutral vessels, which escalated tensions and was a key factor in bringing the United States into World War I. -
The entry of the United States into World War I was important because it provided the Allies with fresh troops, resources, and economic support, which helped tip the balance and ultimately led to the defeat of the Central Powers. -
The Selective Service Act was important because it allowed the U.S. government to quickly and efficiently draft millions of men into military service during World War I, ensuring the country had enough troops to fight effectively. -
The Espionage Act was important because it aimed to protect national security during World War I by criminalizing spying, interfering with military operations, and limiting anti-war activities, but it also raised significant concerns about free speech and civil liberties. -
The American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was important because it provided crucial fresh troops and resources to the Allies in France during World War I, helping to boost morale and turn the tide against the Central Powers. -
The Fourteen Points, proposed by President Wilson, were important because they outlined a vision for a fair and lasting peace after World War I, promoting self-determination, open diplomacy, and the creation of the League of Nations to prevent future conflicts. -
The Spanish flu epidemic was important because it caused a massive global health crisis in 1918-1919, killing millions worldwide, including many young adults, and significantly impacting societies, economies, and the final stages of World War I. -
Russia’s withdrawal from World War I was important because it allowed Germany to focus its military forces on the Western Front, but it also led to significant political changes in Russia, including the rise of the Soviet Union. -
The Sedition Act was important because it expanded the government’s ability to punish criticism of the U.S. government and the war effort during World War I, but it also sparked controversy over restrictions on free speech and civil liberties. -
The Battle of Argonne Forest was important because it was one of the largest and final Allied offensives in World War I, helping to break through German defenses and leading to the eventual end of the war. -
Armistice Day is important because it represents the cessation of one of the deadliest conflicts in history and the beginning of efforts to build lasting peace. -
The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles were important because they officially ended World War I, reshaped national borders, and set the terms that aimed to prevent future wars, but also contributed to tensions leading to World War II.