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Franz Ferdinand Assasination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated while visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia. He was next in line for the Austro-Hungarian throne. The killing set off decades-old tensions in Europe and started WWI. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The sinking of the Lusitania angered the American public. President Wilson criticized the attack. Later it was learned that ship had carried war materials. 128 Americans died and a total of 1000 people died together. -
The Sinking of The Sussex/Sussex Pledge
Months later after the sinking of the Lusitania, German U-Boats attacked the unarmed French passenger ship Sussex. Germany began to fear that the angry Americans would enter the war. Wanting to soothe the anger, Germany offered money to those who were injured on the Sussex. -
U.S. enters WWI
On the evening of April 2, Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. After the debate, Congress decided that the nation had to defend its rights if it wanted to remain a world power. Congress passed a declaration of war and Wilson signed it on April 6, 1917. -
The Espionage Act of 1917
The Espionage Act provided stiff penalties for espionage, or spying. People who aided the enemy or interfered with the army recruiting also faced penalties. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Vladimir Lenin signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany. Peace had came to the Eastern Front- the line of battle separating Russia and the Central Powers. Due to the treaty, Russia lost a large amount of territory to the Germans. -
Treaty of Versailles
Under its harsh terms, Germany had to accept full responsibility for the conflict. It had to pay the Allies billions of dollars. It also had to disarm completely and give up its overseas colonies and some territory in Europe. -
Senate rejects League of Nations
Wilson hoped the 1920 election would be a "great and solemn referendum" on the league. Wilson did not run. In 1921 the United States signed a separate peace treaty with each of the Central Powers. The United States never joined the League of Nations.
