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Archduke Assassination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo. His death is the event that sparks World War I. This is a very important event causing WWI. -
Germans Fire
The Germans fired chlorine gas at Allied lines. This is the first time that large amounts of gas are used in battle. The result is the near-collapse of the French lines. However, the Germans are unable to take advantage of the breach. -
Lusitania Sinks
A German submarine sinks the passenger liner Lusitania. The ship carries 1,198 people.128 of the passengers were American. -
Submarines Back
Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare in European waterways. This act makes the United States enter into the war and causes the eventual defeat of Germany. -
Zimmerman Telegram
British intelligence gives Wilson the Zimmerman Telegram, a message from German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman proposing that Mexico sides with Germany in case of war between Germany and the United States.In return, Germany promises to return to Mexico the "lost provinces" of Texas and much of the rest of the American Southwest. Mexico declines the offer, but the outrage at this interference in the Western Hemisphere pushes America to enter the war. -
Wilson for War
President Wilson outlines his case for war to Congress. -
U.S Enters War
Congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany. The United States entered WWI on the side of France and Britain. -
Selective Service Act
Congress passes the Selective Service Act authorizing the draft. Criticized for destroying democracy at home while fighting for it abroad, President Wilson claims he sees no other option, signing the bill into law. -
Germany and Russia Peace
The Germans sign a peace treaty with the new Bolshevik government of Russia. The terms of the treaty gave Germany huge tracts of land that had been the Ukraine and Poland. Peace on the Eastern Front allows Germany to shift soldiers to the Western Front, causing serious problems for the Americans, French, and British. -
Battle of Cantigny
The Battle of Cantigny is the first major American offensive act of the war. Even though small the Americans fought bravely and soon go on to larger attacks against German positions. -
Special Orders
Special orders telling Ellsworth to report to London to carry out a special mission.
