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Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated
The Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. After this the Serbian army was convinced that Austria-Hungary, where preparing for war. Alliances were formed on the Serbian side as well as the Austria-Hungary side of the soon to be war. This involves the U.S because they were allies of Serbia when the war started. -
U.S declares neutrality
Germany invades Belgium. In return the United Kingdom declares war on Germany. President Woodrow Willson declares Americas neutrality on WW1. This is significant to the United States because it shows how they (aka Woodrow Wilson) do not want America to be involved in the war. -
Lusitania was attacked
A British ocean liner named the Lusitania, which was a carrying American passengers. A German submarine off the south coast of Ireland. It sunk in 20 minutes causing the loss of 1,198 lives, including 128 Americans. This is significant to America because it involved the loss of some of its civilians and gets America at least have somewhat of an involvement in the war. -
The Zimmerman Letter
The British intercept the Zimmermann letter. Which was to Mexico from Germany, urging Mexico to join WW1. In turn Germany would help Mexico win back Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, which American took from Mexico. This is significant to America because it is an 'attack' from Germany, where they wish to limit the size of our land. -
WIlson re elected for president
On this date Woodrow Wilson was reelected for his second term. He served between 1913-1921. This is significant to America because this was the president America had during WW1. -
USA enters world war 1
On this day America enters World War 1, after the U.S. Senate voted to declare war against Germany, the U.S. House of Representatives endorses the declaration by a vote of 373 to 50. As a result, America formally enters World War I. -
Troops in France
The first American troops land in France. This is significant to America because this is one of the first involvement of America in the war. -
The Sedition act is passed
On May 16, 1918, the United States Congress passes the Sedition Act this has had penalties on anyone that was found guilty of making false statements that interfered with the prosecution of the war. This is significant to America because it limits what the people can say about the war even if they have a different opinion about it then what is popular. -
Armistice ends fighting
At 5:10 am, in Compiègne, France, the Germans sign the Armistice (agreement to stop fighting) which is effective at 11 am. This is significant to America because it the war is now over, and they don't need to fight anymore. -
German boats sink
The Germans sink 74 of their own warships in preparation of being forced to yield them to the Allies. This is significant to America because even if the Allies weren't going to force Germany to hand over their ships, now Germany is even less armed and the threat to Germany for fighting again is lower since they have less military equipment.