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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
The Archduke was killed by a Serbian activist. Franz Ferdinand was the heir of the Austria-Hungarian throne. The assassin was from a secret military society of Serbia. This assassination eventually led to the Austria-Hungary invasion of Serbia. -
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Before and During WWI
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U.S. President declares neutrality in the newly declared war.
Austria-Hungary did not waste much time in declaring war against Serbia for its attack on their new, young leader. This caused chain reaction of events that led to a declaration of war between Germany and Great Britain. Woodrow Wilson declared that the U.S. would not be taking sides, or would be saying neutral. -
First American Ship Sunk
While off the coast of Sicily, the first American merchant ship is attacked and capsized by a German U-Boat. Shortly after this, 128 American civilian lives were lost when another German U-Boat torpedoed a British ocean-liner off the coast of Ireland. After this, Woodrow Wilson tried to diplomatically resolve things with Germany. This smoothed things out for a while, and Wilson continued to advocate for peace. -
Woodrow Wilson declares US involvement in WWI
The British intercepted a telegram revealing that Germany offered to help Mexico regain Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if the country helped them in a war against the U.S. And after this, several more American ships were taken down by Germany. This led Wilson to declare war against Germany. The following month, Wilson signed the Selective Service Act of 1917, requiring men between the ages of 21-35 to register for the draft. -
Battle of Cantigny
This battle was the first American victory in WWI. The American troops attacked the Germans in the small French village of Cantigny. -
American troops cut German supply lines
American troops cut through Germany's enemy lines and took over their main supply line, the railroad in Sedan, France. Shortly after this, Germany, being steadily beaten now by the U.S. and allies, asked the United States for a peace agreement. -
Fourteen Points
Woodrow Wilson wrote the 14 points, a statement of principles for world peace. This was widely distributed in Germany as reasons for them to end the war in expectation for a just settlement. The German Imperial Chancellor requested an immediate armistice and peace negotiations on the basis of the 14 points. -
Nobel Peace Prize
President Woodrow Wilson won the 1919 Nobel Peace Prize for his writing and involvement of the 14 Points.
