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President Wilson Declares Neutrality
The President during the 1900's, Woodrow Wilson, formally stated that America was going to stay out of any wars. That they were staying neutral to the wars going on between the European countries. Fun Fact: This national neutrality barely lasted three years. -
Sussex Pledge
This Pledge was an agreement between Germany and America, after President Wilson had threatened to sever their diplomatic relationship with Germany. Germany was to desist from attacking passenger ships, and to allow sailors of enemy ships to abandon their ship before attacking.
Fun Fact: The pledge was named after a unarmed French ship that was sunk prior to this agreement. -
America Joins the Fight
So President Woodrow Wilson had originally wished to have America stay neutral in WWI. However after some tense events with Germany, America was ready to fight. After braking the diplomatic relationship with Germany, Germany retaliated, sinking an American liner. Fun Fact: Senate had 82 to 6 votes for joining WWI, and U.S. House of Representatives had 373 to 50, which meant that America was now at war with Germany. -
Selective Service Act
The Selective Service Act required men 21 - 30, who were deemed healthy, to be drafted legally into the war. The Federal Government wanted to gain an army of these men to supply to those fighting against the Axis powers. These posters inspired many people to join in the war.
Fun fact: About 2.8 million soldiers were drafted out of the 4.8 million that eventually served in the war. -
The Battle of Cantigny
The 28th Infantry Regiment (of the US First Division) attacked A French village where Germans where holding fort. While a small battle, this was the first significant American battle won. It was also the first offensive battle of WWI. The results of the battle boosted the Allie's morale that there were american troops fighting on the battle field. Fun Fact: Major Robert R. McCormick later renamed his estate Cantigny from Red Oaks Farm in honor of those who he served with. -
Chateau-Thierry battle
This battle is what started the battle of Belleau Wood. It was fought at the Aisne-Marne Sector, 5 miles immediately northwest of the town of Chateau-Thierry on the River Marne. It is not as well know, because it morphed into the Belleau Wood's battle. -
Battle of Belleau Wood Starts
This battle was the first large scale battle that the Americans fought in WWI. Led by General James Harbord, US Marines attack the four German divisions stationed in the woods. This battle was also the first major casualties, over 1,000 men died at the end of the first day. Not Fun Fact: This battle had the heaviest casualties associated with WWI. -
Battle of Belleau Wood Ends
The battle ended with the Germans pushed back from the woods, removing any soldiers stationed there. The battle marked the farthest that Germany had gotten to Paris. The whole battle field had changed at least six hands during the three week battle. Fun Fact: About 10,000 Americans were lost as a result of the battle. -
Saint-Mihiel battle
The battle was a relatively small one, but it managed to lift the spirits and morale of the AEFs (American Expeditionary Forces) who fought. General John J. Pershing and Allied Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch had originally wanted to make the area the AEF's headquarters. This battle was one of the first "major offensive operation" that the AEF's had taken as a separate unit. Fun Fact: The troops suffered through wet weather conditions, while trying to fight. They still won, though. -
Treaty of Versailles
This treaty was signed by Germany and the Allies. In the treaty, Germany not only had to give back land it took, but was also blamed for all material damages to any countries in the war. The reason they were, is found in Article 231, which is other wise know as the "War Guilty Clause," where the guilty party is to take responsibility for causing WWII. Military power was decreased and they were in heavy debt to surrounding countries.
