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The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are shot and killed by Gavrilo Princip. This led to the start of WWI. The United States said that they would stay neutral. Although they continued to supply allies that were involved in the war. -
The United Kingdom declared war on Germany
The declaration was a result from Germany refusing to remove troops from Belgium. President Woodrow Wilson declared U.S neutrality. At this point most Americans viewed this as an European conflict found little reason to become involved. -
German U-boat sank the Lusitania
The Lusitania was sunk while traveling from New York to Liverpool, England. 1,195 people on board perished, including 123 Americans. This event was a key factor in the United States' decision to abandon neutrality. -
Woodrow Wilson re-elected
American voters re-elect Woodrow Wilson who campaigned under the slogan "He kept us out of war." He later concluded that the U.S could no longer stay neutral and asked congress for a declaration of war on Germany. -
German telegram intercepted by British
British naval intelligence intercepted and decoded a telegram sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman to a German ambassador in Mexico City. Americans public opinion against Germany was inflamed by the obvious threats contained in the message. This helped convince Congress to declare war against Germany. -
United States declares war
The United States declared war on Germany. Therefore joining France Great Britain, Russia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Italy. This had a major impact on U.S domestic politics, culture, and society. During this time women achieved the right to vote, which greatly affected politics. -
American troops land in France
14,000 American soldiers arrive at the port of St Nazaire in France. Their arrival had been kept secret, but soon French citizens started cheering them through the streets. During early negotiations, America and France grew closer due to their shared revolutionary heritage. The British were upset by this. -
The Sedition Act of 1918
This was enacted to extend the Espionage Act of 1917. It listed certain acts as criminal when the country was at war. Although, this act imposed harsh penalties on U.S citizens for a wide range of speech. The laws were directed at socialists, pacifists, and other anti-war activists. -
World War I Ends
An armistice was signed between The Allies and The Central Powers. The Armistice stipulated that hostilities must stop and that Germans will evacuate territory in France and Belgium. This led to a wave of civil rights activism in America for African Americans, and the passage of an amendment securing women's right to vote. -
The Versailles Peace Treaty
The Versailles Peace Treaty was signed, officially ending the war. However, the treaty was rejected by the U.S Senate twice. This caused the U.S to lose influence in the world and they needed to make their own peace treaties with the Central Powers.