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Catalyst Assassination
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated. He was the heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne. This event caused an uproar in Europe, and was a catalyst in the start of World War One -
Start of WWI
World War I officailly starts when Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. -
War with Russia
Germany officially declares war with Russia. -
Germany Declares War
Germany officially declares war on France. -
US Neutrality
US President Woodrow Wilson declares a policy of neutrality in regards to the declarations of war in Europe. On the same day, Britain enters the war in Europe by declaring war with Germany. -
Blockade
Britain places a blockade on German ports. -
Lusitania
A German U-Boat sinks British ship that help American passengers. US citizens were outraged that Germany would attack a ship that held neutral Americans. -
Battle of Verdun
Battle of Verdun begins. It was the longest battle during World War I, lasting until December of 1916. It was a costly battle on both the French and German sides. -
Battle of Somme
Battle of Somme begins, a battle that saw the most casualties in World War I. It ended in November of 1916. -
Peace Note
Germany issues a peace note to the US and Allied Powers in an "attempt" to compromise peace. -
Submarines
Germany announces unrestricted submarine warfare, eventually causing the US to sever all diplomatic ties with Germany. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Britain passed along an interpreted telegram between Germany and Mexico to the US. The telegram stated Germany's desire to hold an alliance with Mexico, wanting them to attack the US to keep them occupied and divert their attention away from Europe. -
US Declares War
On April 6, 1917, the United States formally declares war against Germany and joins forces with Britain, France, and Russia. -
Arrival at France
The first US troops arrive in France. A few days later, Pershing requests a large army be sent over. -
US Declares War Again
US officially declares war on Austria-Hungary. -
Congressional Speech
President Woodrow Wilson gives a speech to Congress proposing his 14 points for peace. -
Sharks in the Water
German U-Boats spotted for the first time in US waters. -
Armistice Day
German forces declare cease-fire and World War I officially ends. It is now referred to as Veteran's Day. -
League of Nations
Woodrow Wilson proposed the formation of an international alliance to prevent another war. On this date, 44 nations signed the agreement. However, the United States Congress would not ratify the treaty and the United States did not join. -
Treaty of Versailles
Signed by the Allied Powers and Gernany outside of Paris. Part I created the League of Nations, which Germany was not allowed to join until 1926. The treaty includes many different sections, each one notating certain liberties and freedoms Germany had to give up ranging from limiting the number of it's militay , giving up it's colonies, taking full blame of the war, and paying for the war.
