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Franz Ferdinand Assasination
The assassination of the Archduke triggered the beginning of World War I. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. They gave Serbia a list of demands that Serbia refused to use. Because of this, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. -
First use of gas a s a weapon by the Germans
The Germans used poison gas against the Allied troops in 1915. This gas could kill anyone who breathed it. Troops began carrying gas masks so they wouldn't breath it. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Germans became angry that the so-called "neutral" Americans were aiding Britain. In order to stop them from sending resources to Britain, the Germans decided to attack all ships going and leaving British ports. President Wilson told Germany that he would blame all of the lives lost on Germany. Germany didn't listen. On May 7, 1915, Germany sank the Lusitania by firing two torpedoes at the Lusitania. The ship sank and 1,000 people died. 128 were from America. -
Wilson re-elected; pledged American neutrality
Wilson was re-elected in 1915. He promised to all that the Americans would stay neutral. Unfortunately, he was eventually forced into the war. -
Zimmerman Note
Arthur Zimmerman, a German government employee, sends a telegram to the German Embassy in Mexico. In this telegram he encourages the Mexican government to invade the southern border of the United States. His idea is to distract America from the European affairs. The British intercept the telegram and inform President Wilson. At first the American people feel this is just British propaganda. Those opinions change and Wilson asks congress for a declaration of war against Germany. -
U.S. declares war
On April 2, 1917, President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war on Germany. On April 6, Congress passed a declaration of war, and President Woodrow Wilson signed it. -
Bolsheviks led by Lenin overthrow Russian government
The Bolsheviks wanted to overthrow the czar and the government so they set up a Communist government -
War ends
On October 4, 1918, The German government asked President Wilson for an armistice. Wilson consented, but only under conditions. Germany agreed and the war came to an end. -
Treaty of Versailles
Under harsh terms, Germany had to pay the Allies billions of dollars and had to disarm completely and give up its overseas colonies and some territory in Europe.
