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Wilson declares U.S. neutrality.
Reflecting strong public opinion, Wilson states that U.S. will not join the war. -
Lusitania sunk.
There outraged protests from the United States at the German U-boat campaign, when the Lusitania, which had many American passengers aboard, was sank. The Germans moderated their U-boat campaign. -
Wilson wins 1916 presidential election.
Declaring "he kept us out of war," Wilson and Democrats barely defeat Hughes and Republicans (277 to 254 in electoral college). -
Kingsland Explosion
German saboteurs set off the Kingsland Explosion at Kingsland, New Jersey (now Lyndhurst), one of the events leading to U.S. involvement in World War I. -
Wilson calls for "peace without victory".
Frustrated with his efforts to mediate a peace, Wilson becomes convinced that both sides needed to cease hostilities. -
Wilson asks for declaration of war.
"The world must be made safe for democracy," Wilson insists. -
US declares war on Germany.
US declares war on Germany. Troops begin to mobilise immediately. -
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" -
Selective Service Act passed.
Nearly 10 million men are listed and a lottery chooses first 687,000 to serve. Eventually 3,000,000 men serve as draftees in the war. -
First US troops arrive in France.
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War Industries Board created.
Led by Bernard Baruch, the WIB set prices and determined what goods should be produced by private industry -
Food Administration formed.
Herbert Hoover heads effort to conserve food and boost agricultural output. -
14 Points declared.
Wilson lists his goals for a war-free world, including a League of Nations. -
Principle of a League of Nations ratified.
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Draft of the League of Nations completed.
