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Archduke Ferdinand of Austria's Assassination
Ferdinand and his wife, heirs to the Austro-Hungarian throne, were assassinated by Serbia as they saw Ferdinand hindered Serbia's independence. This caused Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia and start the events of WW1. The U.S later became allies with Serbia. -
Great Brtian declares war on Germany
Germans attacked the neutral country Belgian using explosives on their border's forts. After Great Britain declared war on Germany because of the Siege of Liegeit, it forced The U.S. to declare its neutrality. -
Sinking of the Louisiana
German submarines sank a British ship, the Lusitania, porting from New York with passengers on board. The U.S asked the German Government to refrain form attacking non-military ships, which they agreed to. -
33rd Quadrennial presidential election
Incumbent Democratic President Woodrow Wilson defeated the Republican candidate in the U.S. presidential election. Wilson led America into war in order to “make the world safe for democracy.” -
Zimmerman's telegram
British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from the German secretary, Arthur Zimmermann, being sent to Mexico City. In the telegram, Germany offered Mexico part of America's land in exchange for joining their alliance. -
US Declares war
Congress passed the Declaration of War against Germany after they continued to torpedo more U.S. ships. The U.S. went to war to protect shipping cargo and the freedom of trade while in international waters -
American troops land in France
The first American troops landed in France. The 14,000 American soldiers landed at a secret port so as to not be attacked by more German submarines. -
The sedition act
The Sedition Act of 1918 extended the Espionage Act of 1917. It prosecuted thousands of anti-war activists as it was seen as essential to the war effort. -
Armistice on Western front
Paul von Hindenburg requested the armistice be signed to start the end of WW1. This caused Germany and their allies to cease fire. -
The Versailles Peace Treaty
The Versailles Peace Treaty was signed to officially end World War I. The terms of the treaty required Germany to pay financial reparations, disarm, lose territory, and give up all of its overseas colonies.