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The Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was riding in his car with his wife Sophie when an angry nationalist of Serbia shot him twice killing him.
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Austria-Hungary did not want to lose their control nor backdown. Because of this they asked and received support from Germany, or a "blank check" consisting of anything they needed, this included allies in a war.
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After being given an ultimatum from Austria-Hungary, Serbia requests support from Russia and became allies, prepared for whatever would come.
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Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
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Russia troops are now fully moblizied because they are now allies of Serbia and are ready to help defend their neighboring nation.
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Germany declares war on Russia.
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Germany Declares War on France.
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By invading Belgium which was considered neutral, Germany has angered Britain who, who in response, now declares on Germany.
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The United States decided they would be neutral during this War and not put their men at risk, although they would continue to trade with Britain and supply them.
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Austria-Hungary Declares War on Russia.
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Serbia Declares war on Germany.
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Germans used their U-boats (submaries) to sink Lustania near the Irish Coast killing over 1,000 men and over 100 Americans.
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The United States was highly angry about the sinking of the Lusitania, that on this day the Germans listened and ended the policy of sinking ships without proper warning.
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Henry Ford charged a "Peace Ship", or Oscar II, in efforts to end WWI. The mission was just made fun of by the press and it ultimately did nothing.
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Woodrow Wilson ran for office for his second term. He was re-elected on his campaign slogan "he kept us out of war."
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The British interpreted the German Foreign Secretary Zimmermann's telegram to Mexico, basically telling the Mexicans if they work with Germany against the United States they would get all their territories back from the United States including Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.
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Woodrow Wilson talks to Congress about Declaring War on Germany and said "The world must be a safe place for democracy." This was sparked by the alliance of Mexico and Germany.
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After failed attempts of neutrality, the United States decides it cannot be put off any longer and declares war on the Central Powers. Six senators and fifty respresentatives vote against this.
