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On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip. This event tripped a series of diplomatic crises and alliances that led to the outbreak of World war 1. Although the United States was neutral, the assassination and subsequent events led to a shift in American foreign policy
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Germany declares war on France and invaded Belgium, violating Belgian neutrality. This action prompted Britain to declare war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War 1. The invasion of Belgium and the war declaration by Britain against Germany led to increased tensions between the U.S. and Germany. This event set the stage for the U.S. to eventually enter the war. -
The Lusitania, a British Ocean liner carrying American passengers, was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland. 1,198 people died, including 128 Americans. The sinking of the ship caused a widespread outrage and anti-German sentiment in the United States. While it didn't immediately lead to the U.S. entering the war, it significantly strained relations with Germany and became a major factor in swaying pubic opinion towards intervention. -
Woodrow Wilson, the democratic incumbent, won a close presidential election against Republican challenger Charles Evan Hughes. Wilson campaigned on the slogan "He kept us out of war," reflecting the prevailing sentiment of American neutrality at the time. It was significant to the U.S. because it suggested that the American public still favored neutrality, despite growing tensions with Germany. -
British naval intelligence intercepted and deciphered the Zimmermann Telegram, a secret diplomatic communication from the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmermann, to the German ambassador in Mexico. The telegram proposed a military alliance between Germany ad Mexico. Germany promised Mexico financial support and the return of lost territories in Texas. It had a profound impact on American public opinion. It inflamed anti-German sentiment and increased support for entering the war. -
After a series of provocations, including unrestricted submarine ware far and the Zimmermann Telegram. President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. The declaration marked a pivotal moment in American History, ending the nations policy of neutrality and transforming the United States into a major participant in the global conflict. -
The first units of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), commanded by General John. Pershing, arrived in France. These troops, through relatively small in number initially, symbolized the commitment of the United States to the Allied war effort. It marked a tangible and visible demonstration of U.S. involvement in the war. While the full force of the American military would take time to mobilize and deploy. It boosted allied morale and signaled to Germany that the United States is committed -
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sedition Act, an amendment to the Espionage Act of 1917. This act significantly curtailed free speech by criminalizing any expression of disloyalty, profane language, or abusive language about the United States. It represents a controversial chapter in American history, demonstrating the tension between national security concerns and civil liberties. -
At 11:00 AM, an armistice between the Allied powers and Germany went into effect, officially ending hostilities on the Western Front. The armistice signified the end of American involvement in World War 1. The Unite states had played a crucial role in the Allied victory, contributing significant manpower, resources, and industrial capacity. to the war effort. -
The Treaty of Versailles, formally ending World War 1, was signed by the Allied powers and Germany in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, France. While President Woodrow Wilson played a key role in shaping the treaty and advocating for the League of Nations, The U.S. Senate ultimately refused to ratify it. This decision reflected a growing isolationist sentiment in the United States and a reluctance to become entangled in European Affairs.