-
Franz Ferdinand assassination
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by a Serbian nationalist. This event is considered a key turning point in world history that led to the outbreak of World War I. The United States remained neutral throughout the war -
President Woodrow Wilson declared the United States
President Woodrow Wilson declared the United States' neutrality in the midst of the escalating World War I in Europe, meaning the U.S. would not take sides in the conflict, initially attempting to remain "impartial in thought as well as in action.". -
territory
promised Mexico the return of lost territory from the U.S. if they joined Germany in war, pushing the United States closer to entering World War I by fueling public anger against Germany and increasing pressure on President Wilson to declare war. -
German U boat
a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, killing over 1,100 people including 128 Americans, significantly turning public opinion in the United States against Germany and contributing to the country's eventual entry into World War I -
american troops arrival
the first American troops arrived in France, marking the official entry of the United States into World War I -
presidential elections
Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 7, 1916. Incumbent Democratic President Woodrow Wilson narrowly defeated former associate justice of the Supreme Court Charles Evans Hughes, the Republican candidate. Presidential election results map.