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Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated
Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. He was assassinated because he promised change as emperor. The assassin was Gavrilo Princip and his goal was to break off some of the southern provinces and join Serbia or Yugoslavia. -
Germany declared war on France
Gavrilo Princip was a Serb and killed the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Serbia was an ally of Russia, which is why Germany declaired war on Russia. France is also an ally of Russia and that is why they were tied into the war. Germany declaired war on France for being allies with Russia. -
British blockade of Germany
Britain wasn't winning on land so they decided to take the war to the sea. Their plan was to cut off the supplues entering Germany. Food became a problem for German farmers because they could not make their own fertilizer. Death by starvation reached about 750,000 Germans. -
Lusitania is sunk
The Lusitania was a passenger ship that had 128 Americand on board when it was sunk by a German submarine. It was a British ship and was also carrying weapons and ammunition, which was why the Germans attacked it. Americans were outraged at the innocent lives lost. -
President Wilson wins reelection
Woodrow Wilson won his presidency for the second time under his promise that he would keep the United States out of war. The Zimmermann note pushed the U.S. over the edge and made Wilson break his promise in keeping neutrality. The U.S. had to go to war. -
By January of 1917 U.S. banks had loaned 2.3 billion to the Allies
The United States was for democracy so they supplied the money for the Allies to have a better chance at winning the war. However this made them realize that if the Allies lost the war then all the loans would never be repaid to the U.S.. The U.S. felt as though they needed to step in and help so that their money was not lost. -
Zimmermann Note
The Zimmermann note was a telegram sent from Germany to Mexico. The Germans wanted to keep the United States out of the war by keeping them busy with Mexico. German promised Mexico support in recovering lost territory. -
Germany announces unrestricted submarine warfare
Germany wanted to defeat Great Britain so they decided to resume unrestricted submarine warfare. This meant destroying anything in British waters whether it was a threat or not. -
Selective Service Act is ratified by Congress
More soldiers were needed to fight in the war which is why the Selective Service Act was Passed. Three million soldiers were gained from ages eighteen to fourty-five. -
Bolshevik Revolution begins in Russia
Russians wanted to overthrow their government and replace it with something new because they were upset with their injuries from war and loss of life. The people wanted change. -
U.S. Congress ratified War resolution
The resolution included an end of war between the United States and Germany. It also ended the United Stantes involvement in WWI
