World war I timeline

Germany declares war on Russia and France Although guaranteeing Belgian neutrality, Germans march through Belgium into France

Nations align for war Bulgaria and Turkey join Germany and Austria-Hungary in the Central Powers. France, England, Russia join the Allied Powers

Wilson declares US neutrality Location: Washington DC Reflecting strong public opinion, Wilson states that US will not join the war

Germany declares waters around British Isles a war zone Neutral vessels are warned of potential u-boat attacks. Wilson warns Germany that it would be accountable for any loss of American life

Lusitania sunk by Germans Location: Off coast of Ireland Torpedoed without warning, the Lusitania sinks in 18 minutes, killing 128 Americans

Arabic Pledge Location: Berlin Germany promises both to sink unarmed liners following sinking British liner Arabic

Sessex Pledge Location: Berlin Following sinking of French steamer Sussex, Germany again agrees to "visit and search" rules, but insists that Great Britain should also agree to obey international laws regarding freedom of the seas

Wilson wins 1916 presidential election Location: US Declaring "he kept us out of war," Wilson and Democrats barely defeat Hughes and Republicans

Wilson calls for "peace without victory" Location: Washington D.C. Frustrated with his efforts to mediate a peace, Wilson becomes convinced that both sides needed to cease hostilities

Germany resumes unlimited submarine warfare Location: Berlin Confident that US help would be too late, Germany seeks to starve England into submission

Zimmermann note discovered Location: Berlin to Mexico City Foreign minister Zimmermann

Wilson asks Congress for greater powers Location: Washington D.C. Senate, led by La Follette Wisconsin, refuse to grant Wilson power to wage an undeclared naval war

Russian Revolution deposes Czar Nicholas Location: Russia Instability in Europe encourages Wilson to act

Wilson asks for declaration of war Location: Capitol building Washington D.C. "The world must be made safe for democracy" Wilson insists

Food administration formed Location: Washington D.C. Herbert Hoover heads effort to conserve food and boost agricultural output

Creel Committee issues official propaganda Location: Washington D.C. Daily "Official Bulletins" seek to convince Americans for the crusade for freedom and democracy and the bestial nature of the "Huns"

War Industries Board created Location: Washington D.C. Led by Bernard Baruch, the WIB set prices and determined what goods should be produced by private industry

Selective Service Act passed Location: Washington D.C. Nearly 10 million men are listed and a lottery choses first 687.000 to serve. Eventually 3.000.000 men serve as draftees in the war

14 Points declared Location: Capitol Building Washington D.C Wilson lists his goals for a war-free world, including a League of Nations

Cantigny Location: North of Paris First victory for American troops

Chateau-Thierry Location: France French and American troops block German advance

Belle Wood Location: France American forces suffer heavy losses but defeat Germans

Second Battle of the Marne Location: France Allied forces defeat Germans who begin retreat east

Sedan Location: Eastern France American troops cut German supply lines 50 miles behind German front

Germans surrender, expecting a peace drawn up under Wilson's generous 14 points Location: Compiegne, France Worst war in world history is over, 10 million soldiers killed, 10 million civilians died from disease and starvation

Treaty of Versailles signed Location: Versailles, France Germany signs treaty drafted by "Big Four" which includes huge reparation demands

Archduke Ferdinand assassination Location: Saravejo, Bosnia Unsteady alliances erupt into war as Russia, Serbia's ally, begins to mobilize.

Meuse-Argonne Location: Eastern France Gen. Pershing loses 120.000 men of his troops in heavy fighting