WWI Timeline

Archduke Franz Ferdinand assasination

Jun 28, 1914

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were visiting sarajevo in Bosnia. First, a bomb was thrown at their auto but did not hit. They still continued their visit only to be shot and killed by a lone assassin. This is important to the U.S since this was one of the immediate causes of WWI, where the U.S decided to stay neutral ad supply other allies with war materials.

Neutrality of the United States

Aug 4, 1914

The United States declares its Neutrality. This is significant to the U.S since it was an attempt to keep them out of war.

Lusitania Sunk

May 7, 1915

A German U-Boat attacks the British ship, the Lusitania. This resulted in the ship sinking in 18 minutes, killing 1201 passengers, including 128 Americans. This is significant since after this happened, President Woodrow sends four diplomatic protests to Germany.

Re-election President Woodrow Wilson

Nov 7, 1915

Americans voted to re-elect President Woodrow Wilson. This is important since Wilson introduced "New Freedom"

British intercept telegram

Jan 19, 1917

The British intercepted a telegram sent by Alfred Zimmermann. The message included plans for Germany and Mexico to try and take territories back from the U.S. This is significant since it caused the U.S to start to debate American Military involvement in war.

United States declares war on Germany

Apr 6, 1917

The United States declares War on Germany. This is significant to the U.S, since this caused them to break their neutrality.

American troops in France

Jun 25, 1917

The first American troops landed in France. This is important to the U.S since they were able to set up training camps in France, and prepare thousands of troops for war.

The Sedition Act of 1918

May 16, 1918

The Sedition Act of 1918 was passed which made it a crime for American citizens to print, utter, or publish any false, scandalous, and malicious writing about the government.

Armistice Ends Fighting

Nov 11, 1918

At 5:10 am, in a railway car at Compiègne, France, the Germans sign the Armistice which is effective at 11 am. This is significant to the U.S since it marks the end of the first World War.

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

German delegation signs the Treaty formally ending the war. This is significant to the U.S since they refused to sign the treaty. Since the U.S did not want to sign the treaty, it ultimately led to more issues.