WWI Timeline By malloryvonarx Jul 28, 1914 World War I begins Period: Jul 28, 1914 to Nov 11, 1918 WWI Sep 15, 1914 The first trenches of the western front are dug Jan 1, 1915 War becomes "Total War" with German Zeppelin air raid on England May 7, 1915 U-Boat sinks the Lusitania. 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans die. 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans die. Aug 30, 1915 Germany responds to U.S. anger by ceasing to sink ships without warning Apr 19, 1916 US President Wilson publicly warns Germany not to continue unrestricted submarine warfare policies Jul 3, 1917 The first wave of the American Expeditionary Force lands in France May 1, 1918 U.S troops help fill gaps between French and British lines during German offensive May 31, 1918 Germans on the banks of the Marne near Paris are stopped by American forces at Chateau-Thierry Jun 1, 1918 U.S troops help stop the German advance on Paris Nov 11, 1918 World War I ends