-
The Election of Woodrow Wilson
New Jersey native, Woodrow Wilson, defeated both former presidents; Taft (Republican) and Roosevelt (Bull Moose Party). -
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip in hopes to overthrow the throne and unite territories containing ethnic Serbs under Serbia's control. This tragic event would be the kickstarter of World War I. -
President Wilson Declares "American Neutrality"
At the start of the war, President Wilson proclaims "American Neutrality". Meaning: the U.S. would NOT engage in European affairs/disputes, as of the "Farewell Address" (1796) written by the First President of the United States, George Washington. -
Period: to
The Battle of the Marne
The Battle of the Marne was the first battle fought in World War I and this battle lasted for 7 days. German troops invaded France with hopes of winning the war in a matter of 40 days. This led to escalating the war much further. -
The Sinking of the Lusitania
The RMS Lusitania was a British-registered ocean liner that was struck with a torpedo by a German "U-Boat", killing 128 Americans in the process. This unprecedented event enraged millions of Americans, yet they remained neutral and didn't engage in battle. -
The Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun began on February 21, 1916 to December 18th of that same year. This battle was located on the Western Front of France and was declared the "Longest Battle of the First World War". -
Germany Attacks the Sussex
Germany uses torpedoes to attack the Sussex after making a promise not to attack merchant ships as long as there is no weaponry on board. -
Wilson's Re-Election
In 1916, Woodrow Wilson was re-elected into office, winning by a narrow margin. His campaign slogan, "He kept us out of war". -
The Zimmerman Telegram
The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret telegraph sent by Germany in hopes to form an alliance with Mexico. In exchange, they get the land they lost in the Spanish-American War returned to them. The navigation of the telegram was intercepted by the British and reached the United States. Americans were outraged by this news, and was demanding a declaration of war be made. -
Military Success By The American Expeditionary Force at Chateau-Thierry
The Battle of Chateau-Thierry was one of the first actions of the American Expeditionary Forces under General John J. Pershing. It was a battle in World War I as part of the Second Battle of the Marne, initially prompted by a German Spring Offensive. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a very unfair peace treaty that punished Germany very harshly and it put an end to the war. This treaty put Germany in great turmoil and it would become one of the main causes for World War II. -
The Election of President Warren Harding
On Election Day, November 2, 1920, few had any doubts that the Republican ticket would win. Harding received 60.2 percent of the popular vote, the highest percentage since the evolution of the two-party system, and 404 electoral votes.