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Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Many say that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the starting point of World War 1. This event caused a series of other events that lead up to the start of the war. -
Wilson Urges Neutrality
Wilson’s hope was that the United States would be, “impartial in thought as well as in action”. President Wilson wanted to be as neutral in the war as possible to maintain world peace. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania sunk due to the German U-boat warfare, which killed 128 Americans. This persuaded many Americans for support on entering the war. -
Creation of the CPI
The CPI was known as the Committee of Public Information. The CPI was an independent agency of the government, whose goal was to sway the American public to support joining World War 1. -
The Zimmerman Note
The Zimmerman Note was a message from Germany to Mexico in order to establish an alliance between the two. This put America on edge considering how close to home the war was moving. -
Selective Service Act
The selective service act was an act passed by congress to allow a national draft. This means that, in necessary times, the United States could call upon men 21- 30 to fight in the war. -
American Troops Enter Europe
This was the first sign of America joining the war, and the American soldiers would eventually join combat in France. -
Espionage Act
This act imposed punishments on people who were found guilty of making harsh statements that could interfere with the war, such as insulting the U.S. government and or desecrating the flag.1917 -
America Declares War
America declared war due to Germany sinking the Lusitania and killing innocent Americans. The sinking swayed the American public to enter. -
Wilson's 14 Points
14 Points was a speech delivered by President Wilson, and declared 14 principles of peace negotiations in order to end World War 1 completely. -
German Surrender in Compiegne, France
Germany's allies were falling apart near the end of the war, so the Germans agreed to an armistice, which was an agreement to stop fighting. Germany did so under harsh terms set by the French, and this would take Germany out and end the war. -
Second Battle of Marne
This was Germany's last major offensive battle on the Western front, but failed due to an allied counter attack. -
Paris Peace Conference
This was a conference between the victorious Allied powers to set peace terms for the Central powers after the war. -
Rejection of the Treaty of Versailles
The treaty was denied because it objected the league of nations, an organization that tried to maintain world peace.
