World War I by Alejandro De Oliveira Vercik

August 1914 – U.S. Declares Neutrality

8101699 — 2024-10-30 19:39:41 UTC

When World War I began in Europe, President Woodrow Wilson announced that the United States would remain neutral. Many Americans supported this stance, viewing the conflict as a distant European war with no direct impact on U.S. interests.

May 7, 1915 – Sinking of the Lusitania

8101699 — 2024-10-30 19:41:43 UTC

A German U-boat torpedoed the British passenger ship Lusitania, killing nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans. This event intensified anti-German sentiment and began to shift public opinion towards the possibility of entering the war.

January 1917 – Zimmermann Telegram

8101699 — 2024-10-30 19:43:51 UTC

British intelligence intercepted a secret message from Germany to Mexico, proposing an alliance against the U.S. and promising Mexico the return of lost territories. When the telegram was made public, American anger and support for joining the Allies grew significantly.

April 6, 1917 – U.S. Declares War on Germany

8101699 — 2024-10-30 19:45:26 UTC

Following Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare against American and Allied vessels, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war. The U.S. entered the war on the side of the Allies, marking a major shift from isolationism to active participation.

November 11, 1918 – Armistice Day

8101699 — 2024-10-30 19:47:40 UTC

After months of American involvement bolstering the Allies, Germany agreed to an armistice, effectively ending World War I. The U.S. emerged as a key player in the peace negotiations, although it ultimately chose not to join the League of Nations, signaling a return to isolationist policies.