-
Archduke Francis Ferdinand is assassinated.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, is often cited as the spark that ignited World War I. -
Germany Declares War
On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war against France. In the night of August 3–4, German forces invaded Belgium. Great Britain, which had no concern with Serbia and no express obligation to fight either for Russia or for France but was expressly committed to defend Belgium, on August 4 declared war against Germany -
German submarine sinks
German submarine sinks the passenger liner Lusitania during crossing from New York to Liverpool, England, killing 128 Americans. -
The Battle of Vittorio Veneto
On November 7, 1916, during World War I, the Battle of Vittorio Veneto took place, where Austro-Hungarian forces were severely defeated by the Italian Army, ending the war on the Italian Front and leading to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Italian victory was significant for the United States and Britain, as it resulted in the awarding of Italia and Vittorio Veneto as war prizes. -
The Serbs defeat the invading Austro-Hungarians.
The Serbs defeat the invading Austro-Hungarians in the first major Allied victory of the First World War. This battle also sees the first aerial dogfight when the pilots of Serbian and Austro-Hungarian reconnaissance aircraft engage each other with small arms. This victory was significant for the United States as it demonstrated the effectiveness of the Serbian forces and marked a turning point in the war. -
The United States declares war on Germany.
Two days after the U.S. Senate voted 82 to 6 to declare war against Germany, the U.S. House of Representatives endorses the declaration by a vote of 373 to 50. As a result, America formally enters World War I. It marked a decisive turning point in World War I and in American history. -
The United States declared neutrality.
After nearly three years of neutrality, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany, marking a decisive turning point in the war and in American history -
the United States Congress passed the Sedition Act
Passed as part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, this law made it illegal for American citizens to publish false or malicious writings about the government, Congress, or the President. The law was directed at Democratic-Republicans, who were typically favored by new citizens. The Sedition Act made it a crime for American citizens to "print, utter, or publish... any false, scandalous, and malicious writing" about the government. -
An armistice was signed between the Germans and the Allies, ending World War I.
The event that marked the end of a major conflict, allowing for a return to peace and the commemoration of those who served through Veterans Day celebrated on November 11th. It marked the end of a major conflict that had claimed the lives of many American soldiers, allowing for a return to peace and the commemoration of those who served through the holiday now known as Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th, the day the armistice took effect -
The Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World War I
The terms of the treaty required that Germany pay financial reparations, disarm, lose territory, and give up all of its overseas colonies. It was significant for president Wilson. President Woodrow Wilson supported the treaty and the creation of the League of Nations, an international organization intended to maintain world peace.