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Blockade of Germany Begins
Britain began a blockade of Germany soon after the war started, in 1914. American trade to Germany was effectively blocked. Even food was considered contraband. -
Lusitania Sunk
On this date, a German U-Boat (submarine) sank the RMS Lusitania. 128 American civillians were killed. It was later found out that there was military supplies and ammunition being carried on the ship, which was why the Germans sunk it. -
Zimmerman Telegram Sent
The Zimmerman Telegram was a telegram sent from Arthur Zimmerman (Germany's Foreign Secretary) to the German ambassador to Mexico. The German governement knew that unrestricted submarine warfare would lead to the United States getting involved in the war, so they proposed an alliance with Mexico. The Germans promised Mexico their lost land in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was intercepted and decoded by the British government, who then informed the US. -
Germany Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
After the Lusitania sunk, Theodore Roosevelt convinced the German military to stay away from civillian ships in the British Isles. On Feb. 1. 1917, Germany resumed their unrestricted submarine warfare. This is one of the reasons the US got into WWI. -
Hundred Days Offensive Begins
The Battle of Amiens involved over 400 tanks and 120000 allied troops, and created a gap 15 miles long in the German lines. Ludendorff refered to the day as "The Black Day of the German Army." -
German Spring Offensive of 1918 begins
The Germans began an offensive attemting to divide the British and French forces from each other. They got within 75 miles of Paris and were able to take artillery shots at it. It was moderately successful. -
German Spring Offensive Ends
The Germans retreated all the way back to their starting lines. They never achieved much. 270,000 Germans were killed. -
Germany Orders Withdrawal
The Germans ordered a retreat to the south. This was the beginning of the end for the Germans. -
Germany Signs Armistice
Germany signed an armistice in a railroad carriage at 11 AM. A ceasefire came into effect. Fighting continued in many areas, as commanders wanted to capture territory. -
Treaty of Versailles
Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The US Senate never ratified the treaty. At this point, most soldiers had already went home.
