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Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the heir to Austria-Hungary's throne. He was killed by a member of the Black Hand Society. -
Great War Begins
Austria-Hungary turned to Germany for backup before targeting Serbia because of fear of Russian involvement. Germany fully supports Austria-Hungary and Russia fully supports Serbia. The nations go to war and others join. -
Kaiser Declares “Open Season” on Ships
Kaiser says the North Sea is a war zone, in which all merchant ships, including those from neutral countries, were liable to be sunk without warning. -
Lusitania Sank
A torpedo fired by the German submarine U 20 slammed into her side. A mysterious second explosion ripped the liner apart. -
Battle of the Somme
A battle of the First World War fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. -
Wilson Re-Elected
Most people voting Wilson again because they wanted to U.S to stay neutral. We entered WW1 a year later. -
Zimmerman Note Intercepted
Coded telegram from Germany to Mexico. Germany offered significant financial aid to Mexico if it agreed to enter any future U.S-German conflict as a German ally. -
Russia Pulls Out of the War
Russia was behind in industrialization so their equipment wasn't as advanced as Germany's and their were taking high casualties for it. The Russian Revolution was also happening. -
US Declares War on Germany
Wilson realized war was inevitable but agonized over the decision for what it might do to the spirit of the nation. He feared war would change America forever, making her tougher, less humane. -
Selective Service Act
Authorized the federal government to raise a national army for the American entry into World War I through the compulsory enlistment of people. -
Convoy System
A group of merchant vessels sailing together, with or without naval escort, for mutual security and protection. -
Espionage Age Passed
Prohibited many forms of speech, including "any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of government of the United States ... or the flag of the United States, or the uniform of the Army or Navy." -
Flu Epidemic
An unusually deadly influenza pandemic, the first of the two pandemics involving H1N1 influenza virus. -
Fourteen Points Speech
A statement of principles for world peace that was to be used for peace negotiations in order to end World War I. -
Sedition Act Passed
Extended the Espionage Act of 1917 to cover a broader range of offenses, notably speech and the expression of opinion that cast the government or the war effort in a negative light or interfered with the sale of government bonds. -
Germany Signs Armistice
Marked a victory for the Allies and a complete defeat for Germany, although not formally a surrender.
