-
Archduke Franz Ferdinand is shot
He is shot by a member of "The Black Hand" a Serbian nationalist group looking to stir up resistance in ethnically Serbian territory in Southern Austrian-Hungary -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat in an act of unrestricted submarine warfare. Following this event, the Germans agree to demands by the Americans to allow ships to spot the submarine before they torpedo convoys.
Image: http://www.historyinanhour.com/2014/05/07/the-sinking-of-the-lusitania-summary/ -
National Defense Act
The National Defense Act of 1916 is passed. It greatly reforms the way the U.S. army is structured, and modernizes it to be more synonymous with European army construction. It also expands the size of the U.S. standing army. https://history.army.mil/news/2016/160500a_natDefAct1916.html -
US breaks diplomatic relations with Germany
The U.S. breaks all diplomatic relations with Germany following its re-introduction of unrestricted submarine warfare -
First Liberty Loan
The first liberty loan, a funding mechanism asking for loans from the population, is put into effect to urge people to help finance the war with the promise of payback after the conflict. -
Second Liberty Loan
The Second Liberty Loan is put into effect, to rouse the population to donate more to the fund, they use propaganda glorifying fighting men while degrading those who stay home. It also incentivised people to start doing their part at home to help troops out overseas. -
Germany renews unrestricted submarine warfare
After the defeat of Russia in the east, the Germans attempt to put even more pressure on the Allies by starving them of even more material. In order to combat new British and French convoy methods, the Germans resume unrestricted submarine warfare.
Image: https://www.thoughtco.com/unrestricted-submarine-warfare-p2-2361020 -
The U.S.S Housatonic sunk
The U.S.S. Housatonic is sunk for carrying foodstuffs to the Allies, the German sub commander famously says “You are carrying foodstuffs to an enemy of my country, and though I am sorry, it is my duty to sink you.” https://www.camprandall100.com/2017/09/30/life-1917-sinking-housatonic-brings-world-war-closer-home/
https://americancivilwar.com/tcwn/civil_war/Navy_Ships/USS_housatonic.html -
U.S. declares war
The Germans attempt to incite Mexico to declare war on the U.S. in order to distract them from any possible intervention in Europe. After British agents intercept the telegram and show it to the U.S., the U.S. officially declares war on Germany. -
Selective Service Act
Woodrow Wilson convinces congress to pass a selective service act, mandating limited conscription for men as young as 18, for enlistment in the military. -
War Industries Board
The War Industries Board is established to establish an effective way of logistical distribution to the military, by converting and managing civilian factories.
Image:http://carolynyeager.net/image/war-industries-board -
Lever Food and Fuel Control Act
The Lever Food and Fuel Control Act is passed to ration materials which could otherwise be used by the military in the field -
War Revenue Act
The War Revenue Act is passed, delegating funding for the military to increase its manpower and weapon capacity. -
Railroads are nationalized
In order to have direct control over all railroads; the government nationalizes them in order to maintain complete control over them for wartime purposes.
Image: https://www.transportation.gov/content/railroads-nationalized -
Maximum prices for steel
Steel costs 2.89$ per 100 lbs, cheaper than the previous year due to its need of being massed produced. https://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/iron_&_steel/350798.pdf -
First Independent action by the American Expeditionary Force
The U.S. expeditionary force under the command of General Pershing, is deployed to the Argonne in France
cite- johns head -
Fourth Liberty Loan
US raised about 17 Billion just through bonds sold. -
Armistice
The 14 points were 14 strategies that Wilson itemized in his speech, to help ensure national security and world peace.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/wilson-delivers-fourteen-points-speech -
Third Liberty Loan
How much did the average Bond cost in 1918? -
Germans begin massive offensive on the western front
The Germans begin The Meuse Argonne Offensive, in a last ditch attempt to capture France and force capitulation before the fresh U.S. forces can arrive to the front in significant numbers. -
Battle of Belleau Wood
In Belleau Wood, the U.S. army is able to hold off a German offensive, even pushing them back by to their trenches.
cite- johns head -
Second Battle of the Marne
A doughboy was a US Soldier who fought in WWI ,who were specifically deployed to Europe.
https://www.history.com/news/why-were-americans-who-served-in-world-war-i-called-doughboys -
900,000 Americans in the Battle of Meuse-Argonne
This battle ended with an armistice and over a hundred thousand casualties.
https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww1/meuse-argonne
