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assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife were shot at close range by Gavrilo Princip a 19-year-old Bosnian Serb student. Its significant to the United States because it triggered World War I which impacted the US economically and politically, leading to its emergence as a global power and we didn't come involved yet in the war -
Germany sends the SMS Emden to the East Asia Squadron
Germany sends the SMS Emden to the East Asia Squadron, initiating a naval campaign in the Pacific that would eventually lead to the sinking of American ships and the US entering World War I. -
German submarine U-boat torpedoed and sank the Lusitania
The British passenger ship Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat, killing 128 Americans, including several women and children. This event sparks outrage across the US and intensifies anti-German sentiment, further straining relations between the two countries. -
e United States and Germany exchanged diplomatic notes regarding the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare
US and Germany exchange diplomatic notes regarding the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. This marks the beginning of Germany's renewed campaign, which would eventually lead to the US declaring war on Germany in 1917. -
Germany uses unrestricted submarine warfare
Germany resumes unrestricted submarine warfare, attacking all ships without warning, including those flying the US flag. This campaign would eventually lead to the sinking of several American ships and the loss of American lives, further straining relations between the two countries. -
Woodrow Wilson delivers his speech
US President Woodrow Wilson delivers his "Peace Without Victory" speech, calling for a more active US role in the war and commitment to international cooperation after the conflict -
US senate declares war on Germany
The US Senate votes to declare war on Germany, officially entering the conflict on the side of the Allies. -
US congress passes the Selective service act
The US Congress passes the Selective Service Act, allowing for the conscription of American soldiers into the military. This act enabled the US to significantly increase its military strength and contribute more effectively to the war effort. -
WW1 ends with the signing of the armistice
World War I ends with the signing of the Armistice, marking the end of hostilities between the Allies and Germany. -
The official end of WW1
The Treaty of Versailles is signed, officially ending World War I and establishing the terms of peace and the new world order.