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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand began WWI. It set off a chain of events, triggering alliance across Europe to joint the fight. The U.S. did not wish to become involved. -
Lusitania Sunk
The RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine. 128 Americans died. This unrestricted submarine warfare was a factor that caused the U.S. to enter World War I against the Germans. -
Zimmerman Note Published
This intercepted note from the German foreign minister to the Mexican government encouraged Mexico to attack the U.S. The note also confirmed the new policy of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany against the Allied Powers. This helped turn American public opinion in support of joining the war against Germany. -
U.S. Enters WWI
The U.S. declared war on Germany in response to their unrestricted submarine warfare and attempt to spur Mexico to attack the U.S. President Woodrow Wilson persuaded the American people to enter World War I by pledging to make the war "a war to end all wars" and to make the world safe for democracy. -
Espionage Act
The Espionage Act of 1917 criminalizes and punishes espionage, spying and related crimes. The Act prohibits not only spying but also obstructing the draft and speech against the government. It and its subsequent amendment, the Sedition Act, were very controversial. They were challenged and found Constitutional in response to "clear and present danger". -
Sedition Act
This act made it illegal to publicly expressly any opposition to the war. The law stated that during times of war, rules can be changed. An amendment to the Espionage Act of 1917, the Sedition Act of 1918 made it a felony make statements interfering with American war efforts or publicly criticize the U.S. government. Protesters and dissenters were prosecuted and jailed. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles marked the formal end of WWI. It was not ratified by the U.S. The Senate feared language in the treaty that could have pulled the U.S. into another European conflict in the future. The U.S. wanted a swift return to isolationism following WWI. -
League of Nations
The League of Nations, based on ideas expressed by Woodrow Wilson in his "14 Points" speech, was founded. The U.S. did not join the League of Nations, as public sentiment did not support international involvement. -
19th Amendment
An amendment to the Constitution of the United States adopted in 1920; guarantees that no state can deny the right to vote on the basis of sex. The women's rights movement gained support when women took on new roles during WWI.
