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U.S. backing France and Britain
The United States was funding and providing war supplies for Britain and France. Although the United States was technically not in the war they were providing guns and ammunition for two of the big powers, France and Britain. -
Wilson declares Neutrality
Woodrow Wilson states that the U.S. must stay neutral. Because of the vast number of immigrants in the United States, Wilson fears that the country could be torn apart due to support of home countries by immigrants. -
Lusitania
The British ship Lusitania was sunk by German U-boats on its voyage from Britain to New York. 128 Americans were killed causing public opinions toward Germany to be turned to hatred, Previously the United States had warned the Germans about submarine usage and this event showed German disregard for the U.S.A. -
Sussex
The sinking of the Sussex angered the U.S. further as the Germans broke their promise to not attack passenger ships. To appease the United States the Sussex Pledge was drawn up by Germany that stated: No passenger ships would be sunk, Only merchant ships carrying weapons would be fired upon, and the provision of safety for the passengers of the merchant ships would be provided before attacking. -
Wilson re-elected
U.S. president Woodrow Wilson narrowly re-elected for "keeping us out of war". His neutrality would soon be tested. -
U.S. investments in war
United States had big investments in Britain and France. A reason to enter war was to ensure a victory for these two countries so that the U.S. would get payed back. -
Resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare
Unauthorized German subs along U.S. East coast marks Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. This was a direct violation of the Sussex Pledge between the U.S. and Germany and a main reason for the U.S. involvement in WWI. -
Zimmerman Telegram
A secret telegram was sent from Germany to Mexico that proposed an alliance between the two countries in war against America, The Germans promised to send support to Mexico to help them recapture land lost in the Mexican-American War. This likewise was a reason to enter war as it again shows German disrespect for the U.S. -
Proposal of War
President Wilson calls Congress to declare War on the German Empire. -
Declaration of War
On April 6, 1917 the Congress overwhelmingly voted to go to war against the German Empire. -
Wilson's 14 points
President Woodrow Wilson proposes his 14 points. These points explained the reasoning for the U.S. involvement in the war and what should happen once war ended. WIlson's plan was met with mixed reactions as the other allies believed differentely what should happen after war. -
First Major American Victory
The first major American victory took place on May 28 1918 in the village of Cantigny in France. The Americans, with aid from the French, were able to regain the village from the Germans. This was important because it showed the Germans the Americans were a force to not be taken lightly. -
U.S. fights Germans back
The Germans managed to send an attack through the French lines reaching Chateau-Thierry slightly north of Paris. The United States 3rd division were set to hold the bridges while the 2nd division was sent to stop the Germans fromadvancing any further on Paris. Nearly a month of fighting took place with the Americans as the victor. This was important becuase it kept the Germnas out of Paris and the courage of the U.S. Marines earned them the name Teufel-Hunden or Devil Dogs. -
German Requests
A telegram was sent to president Wilson from Germany requesting that he take steps to restore peace according to his 14 points. Wilson agreed to do so under three terms: the retreat of Germany from occupied territories, the end of submarine warfare, and the Kaisser's abdication. -
German Surrender
On November 11, 1918 the Armstice between the Allies and Germany was signed in a railroad carriage, marking the end of war on the western front. -
Paris Peace Conference
A conference was held among the allies to decide the fate of Germany. President Wilson's 14 points were not accepted due to disagreements by many countries. His proposed League of Nations however was accepted. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was drawn up from the Paris Peace Conference and was signed on June 28, 1919. The treaty required Germany to undergo a series of tasks which included restricting military and reparations to other countries. Ratification of the treaty never happened in the United States as the government could never come to an agreement whether to ratify or not. -
League of Nations
The first League of Nations meeting occurred on January 16, 1920. This marked the official end of WWI. Although the LON was proposed by Wilson, the United States never joined the league do to disagreements with the articles in which the League was built upon.
