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The Election of President Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson's election in 1912 (inaugurated in 1913) marked a significant shift towards progressive reform in the U.S. He introduced major changes, including the establishment of the Federal Reserve and antitrust legislation to regulate business practices. His presidency also positioned the U.S. as a key player in international diplomacy, especially during World War I. -
The Assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: The Outbreak of WW1.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered a chain of events that led to the outbreak of World War I. It escalated tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, drawing in major powers due to alliances across Europe. This event ignited a global conflict that reshaped the political landscape and set the stage for significant geopolitical changes. -
America Proclaims Neutrality in WW1
When World War I broke out in 1914, America proclaimed neutrality, aiming to avoid involvement in the European conflict. This stance reflected the U.S. desire to focus on domestic issues and maintain trade relations with all warring nations. However, growing tensions, especially around unrestricted submarine warfare, eventually pulled the U.S. into the war in 1917, reshaping its global role. -
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The Battle of Marne
The Battle of the Marne in 1914 was a crucial turning point in World War I, halting the German advance into France. It marked the failure of Germany's Schlieffen Plan, preventing a quick victory and leading to prolonged trench warfare on the Western Front. This battle preserved the Allies' position and set the stage for a drawn-out and devastating conflict. -
The sinking of Lusitania
The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 by a German U-boat killed 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans, sparking outrage. This event intensified anti-German sentiment in the U.S. and contributed to the growing push for American involvement in World War I. Although the U.S. remained neutral for two more years, the sinking was a pivotal moment in shifting public opinion toward entering the war. -
The Battle of Verdun
The Battle of Verdun in 1916 was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I, symbolizing the brutal stalemate of trench warfare. It became a critical test of endurance between France and Germany, with both sides suffering massive casualties. Verdun's defense bolstered French morale, becoming a symbol of national resilience, while exhausting German forces. -
The Sussex Incident
The Sussex Incident in 1916 involved a German submarine attacking a French passenger ship, injuring several Americans. This event strained U.S.-German relations and intensified anti-German sentiment in the United States. In response, Germany issued the Sussex Pledge, temporarily limiting its submarine warfare, but the event pushed the U.S. closer to entering World War I. -
The Battle of The Somme
The Battle of the Somme in 1916 was one of the bloodiest battles of World War I, symbolizing the horrors of trench warfare. It resulted in heavy casualties for both the Allies and Germany, with little strategic gain. Despite its limited success, the battle weakened German forces and marked a shift in tactics that would influence later stages of the war. -
The Re-Election of President Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson's re-election in 1916 was significant because it reflected public support for his policy of keeping the U.S. out of World War I, under the slogan "He kept us out of war." However, shortly after his second term began, the U.S. entered the war in 1917, marking a major shift in American foreign policy. His re-election also paved the way for his post-war vision, including the creation of the League of Nations. -
The Interception of the Zimmermann Telegram
The interception of the Zimmermann Telegram in 1917 revealed Germany's proposal to Mexico for a military alliance against the U.S., promising Mexico the return of lost territories. This provocation outraged the American public and increased support for entering World War I. The telegram's exposure was a key factor in the U.S. joining the war on the side of the Allies, shifting the war's course. -
The declaration of New Unrestricted SubMarine Warfare by Germany
Germany's declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare in early 1917 escalated tensions with the United States, as it targeted civilian and merchant ships without warning. This aggressive strategy aimed to cut off supplies to the Allies but ultimately provoked a strong backlash from the U.S., leading to its entry into World War I. The decision marked a pivotal shift in the war, as American involvement significantly bolstered the Allied forces and contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany. -
The US enters WW1
The U.S. entry into World War I in 1917 significantly bolstered the Allied forces, providing fresh troops and resources that shifted the momentum of the war. It marked a turning point in the conflict, as American involvement helped to tip the balance against the Central Powers. Additionally, the U.S. entry signaled a new phase in international relations, establishing America as a key global power in the post-war world. -
The Selective Service Act
The Selective Service Act of 1917 authorized the U.S. government to draft soldiers into military service for World War I, significantly increasing troop numbers. It represented a shift from voluntary enlistment to a conscription system, reflecting the urgent need for manpower in a global conflict. The Act laid the groundwork for future military drafts and shaped the U.S. military's approach to mobilization in subsequent wars. -
The Espionage Act
The Espionage Act of 1917 was significant for expanding government powers to suppress dissent and monitor potential threats during World War I. It criminalized activities deemed harmful to national security, including espionage, sabotage, and the distribution of anti-war materials. This legislation laid the groundwork for subsequent restrictions on civil liberties and the targeting of political dissenters in the name of national security. -
The Landing of the American Expeditionary Force in France
The landing of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in France in 1917 significantly bolstered the Allied forces, providing fresh troops and resources at a critical time. Their involvement helped to rejuvenate morale and shift the balance of power against the Central Powers. The AEF's contributions in major battles, such as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, played a key role in leading to the eventual Allied victory in World War I. -
The Fourteen points by president Wilson
President Wilson's Fourteen Points, presented in 1918, outlined his vision for a just and lasting peace following World War I. These points emphasized self-determination, free trade, and the establishment of the League of Nations to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. While not all points were adopted in the Treaty of Versailles, they significantly influenced global discussions on post-war diplomacy and shaped the future of international relations. -
The Beginning of the Spanish Flu Epidemic
The Spanish Flu epidemic began in 1918 and quickly spread worldwide, infecting about one-third of the global population. It had a devastating impact, causing an estimated 50 million deaths and overwhelming healthcare systems already strained by World War I. The epidemic highlighted the need for improved public health measures and laid the groundwork for future pandemic responses. -
Russia pulls out of WW1
Russia's withdrawal from World War I in 1917, following the Bolshevik Revolution, significantly impacted the conflict by allowing Germany to concentrate its forces on the Western Front. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which formalized Russia's exit, resulted in substantial territorial losses for the country. This shift altered the balance of power in Europe, complicating the Allied war efforts and leading to a reconfiguration of post-war borders. -
The passing of the Sedition Act
The passing of the Sedition Act in 1918 allowed the U.S. government to suppress dissent and criticism of the war effort during World War I. It criminalized speech and actions deemed disloyal or abusive toward the government, significantly limiting First Amendment rights. This act reflected the intense nationalistic fervor of the time but also sparked debates about civil liberties that resonate in discussions about free speech to this day. -
The Battle of Argonne Forest
The Battle of Argonne Forest, fought from September 1918 to November 1918, was one of the largest American offensives in World War I, showcasing the U.S. military's growing capabilities. It played a key role in breaking through German defenses and contributed significantly to the overall weakening of German forces. The success of this battle helped accelerate the end of the war, leading to the Armistice in November 1918. -
Armistice Day Ends WW1
Armistice Day, which occurred on November 11, 1918, marked the official end of World War I, bringing an end to four years of devastating conflict. The armistice led to significant geopolitical changes, including the redrawing of national borders and the establishment of new nations. It also set the stage for the Treaty of Versailles and a lasting legacy of peace efforts and remembrance in many countries. -
The Paris Peace Conference and Treaty of Versailles
The Paris Peace Conference in 1919 established the framework for post-World War I peace, culminating in the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, aiming to prevent future aggression but also sowing the seeds of resentment. The decisions made at the conference reshaped national boundaries and laid the groundwork for significant political changes and conflicts in the years that followed.