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Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, the duchess of Hohenburg were killed by an assassin named Gavrilo Princip. This was a catalyst for World War 1 beginning, a war the USA would eventually be part of due to Germany's provocation and the United States ties to the Allies. -
United Kingdom declared war on Germany to defend Belgium and its neutrality. This impacted trading routes between the UK and the US because Germany's U-boats (submarines) would sink American trade ships going to the UK. -
German submarines sank the Lusitania killing 1,95 people including 123 Americans. This weakened American isolationism, because it enraged Americans all across the county including President Wilson. -
Woodrow Wilson was re-elected campaigning as a candidate who favored isolationism, this reflected Americas wish to remain neutral during World War 1 until they were pushed too far. -
The British Navy intercepted a telegram from Germany's Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador in Mexico, the telegram showed Germany was plotting against the United States. -
Congress passed the Declaration of War, due to Germany violating their promise to stop unrestricted submarine attacks and Germany trying to persuade Mexico into an alliance against the United States, these actions by Germany threatened American security and economy. This declaration of war officially brought the United States into World War 1 -
The first American troops landed in France, this had to be kept secret from Germany because of their submarine/U-boats. This provided encouragement to the Allies and boosted the morale of troops. This was the first time America sent troops to war in World War 1. -
The Sedition Act of 1918 was an extension of the Espionage Act of 1917. It made it illegal to spread information with the intention to thwart the United States war effort, also making it a crime to talk badly about our flag, government, Constitution, and America as a whole. This helped the American government prosecute spies who leaked information pertaining to the war and anyone else who might have been an enemy to the United States. -
An armistice/truce was signed by the Allies and Germany ending the first World War after 4 years of fighting. This was a win for the United States and catapulted them into a position of great political power internationally. -
The Versailles Peace Treaty officially ended World War 1 but imposed severe measures on Germany. Germany had to give up about 10% of its pre-war territory and all of its overseas assets. This was a blow to Germany's ego and caused much unrest in that nation and that unrest would fester and become a reason for World War 2. The Versailles Peace Treaty further distinguished the United States being political powerhouse by officially giving the United States a win.