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American neutrality
Reflecting strong public opinion, The President Wodroow Wilson states that U.S. will not join the war -
Germany declares waters around British Isles a war zone
Neutral vessels are warned of potential u-boat attacks. Wilson warns Germany that it would be accountable for any loss of American life -
In electoral college, Wilson calls for "peace without victory"
Frustrated with his efforts to mediate a peace, Wilson becomes convinced that both sides needed to cease hostilities -
Germany resumes unlimited submarine warfare
Confident that U.S. help would be too late, Germany seeks to starve England into submission -
Wilson asks Congress for greater powers
Senate, led by La Follette of Wisconsin, refuse to grant Wilson power to wage an undeclared naval war -
Food Administration formed
Herbert Hoover heads effort to conserve food and boost agricultural output -
Creel Committee issues official propaganda
Daily "Official Bulletins" seek to convince Americans of the crusade for freedom and democracy and the bestial nature of the "Huns" -
14 Points declared
Wilson lists his goals for a war-free world, including a League of Nations -
Chateau-Thierry
French and American troops block German advance -
Belleau Wood
American forces suffer heavy losses but defeat Germans -
Second Battle of the Marne
Allied forces defeat Germans who begin retreat east -
Meuse-Argonne
Gen. Pershing loses 120,000 men (10%) of his troops in heavy fighting -
Sedan
American troops cut German supply lines 50 miles behind German front -
Germans surrender, expecting a peace drawn up under Wilson's generous 14 Points
Worst war in world history is over. 10 million soldiers killed, 10 million civilians die from disease and starvation -
Treaty of Versailles signed
Germany signs treaty drafted by "Big Four" which includes huge reparation demands