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The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
On this day, a German U-boat (submarine) shot a torpedo at the British liner RMS Lusitania, sinking it. Almost twelve thousand people were killed, including 128 Americans. This action outraged Americans and turned their public opinion against the Central Powers. Picture: This is a photo taken of the Lusitana coming into port, taken between 1907 and 1913. -
The Sinkings of the Sussex and the Arabic
On March 24, 1916, Sussex, a French passenger ship, was sunk by a German torpedo. Around 80 American passengers died. This incident followed the sinking of the British ship Arabic in August 1915, in which 2 American passengers died. After each sinking, Germany promised to stop attacking passenger ships. After the sinking of the Sussex, Germany promised on the condition that the U.S. would get Britian to end its current blockade. Picture: This is a photo taken aboard the Sussex after it was hit. -
Wilson Delivers War Resolution
On this day, Wilson spoke before Congress and requested that Congress declare war on Germany. During his speech, he said, "Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be." Four days later, Congress passed his resolution. This officially ended the U.S.'s neutrality and marked its entrance into World War 1. Picture: This is a photo titled "For the Freedom of the World." It depicts Wilsom giving his war resolution address to Congress. -
Selective Service Act
Congress passed the Selective Service Act, also known as the Selective Draft act, in order to meet the U.S. government's need for troops. This act required men to register for random selectment. Those selected were to serve in the military. Of the 24 million citizens who registered, close to 3 million were drafted. Bonus Fact: about one in five of the drafed soldiers were imigrants. Picture: This is a photo of a draft drawing conducted in July of 1917. -
Battle at Château-Thierry
This battle was part of a German attempt to take over France. American forces played a major part in this battle, which lasted from June 1 through June 4. During the battle, Allied forces successfully defeated the opposing troops, helping to stop the German advance towards Paris. Picture: This is a photo taken of Château-Thierry, circa 1919. -
Battle of Belleau Wood
This battle lasted from June 6- June 26. It was the first large-scale battle American troops fought during WWI. The Allied troops fought to prevent German troops from advancing towards Paris. They succeeded after three weeks, but the win cost them many soldiers who where dead, missing in action, or injured. Picture: This photo (c. 1919) provides a view of the Belleau Woods and "looks towards German lines." It is titled, "Belleau Woods, looking toward Belleau Torcy Hill 193 and the German lines." -
Second Battle of the Marne
The Second Battle of the Marn lasted from July 15 to August 6. Around 85,000 American soldiers participated in the battle, along with British and French troops. The Allied troops reportedly set up false trenches in front of their real trench line, fooling the German troops into using their artillery to attack the false lines. This battle is known as the turning point of the war. Picture: This is a photo of French soldiers in the ruins of a church near the Marne, driving back German soldiers. -
Alvin York at Argonne
On October 8, 1918, Corporal Alvin York and his squadron were assigned to seize German-held positions in a valley.During the assault, he reportedly killed at least 20 German soldiers. He and his men took 132 soldiers prisoner. This event resulted in York being promoted to Seargent; and he became a national war hero. Picture: This is a photo of Sgt. York, taken at an unknown date. -
Germany Signs Armistice
On this day, Germany signed an armistice that signaled the end of the war. The news of this overjoyed Americans, who hoped for a return to pre-war life. At least 200,000 U.S. citizens had been injured because of the war. The U.S. had lost a total of 100,000 soldiers in battle and through disease. Picture: This photo was taken in the 1920s; and depicts the railroad car the armistice was signed in. -
The Treaty of Versailles
On this day, major Allied leaders (the Big Four), and the leaders of the defeated nations signed the Treaty of Versailles during a peace conference in France. The treaty, among other things, recognized nine new countries and returned territory to France; but also had flaws, such as forcing Germany to pay huge war mandates and excluding Russia from the conference. Picture: This is a painting titled "The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 28th June 1919," by William Orpen.
