WWII TIMELINE

Causes and Events in WWI

By: Tanisha P., Pd: 1A

1915

Sinking of the Lusitania

Zimmermann Telegram

1917

United States Enters World War I

1917

Selective Service Act

Espionage Act

1917

Committee on Public Information

Russian Revolution

War Industries Board

1917

Influenza Pandemic and its Impact on U.S. Troops

1918

Meuse-Argonne Offensive

1918

Armistice Day

Sedition Act

1918

Wilson's Fourteen Points Speech

1919

Treaty of Versailles

1920

Formation of the League of Nations

• Largest American military operation of World War I: The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest campaign involving American forces during World War I, spanning from September 26 to November 11, 1918.
• Critical in ending the war: This offensive was instrumental in breaking the German lines, leading to the collapse of the Hindenburg Line and ultimately contributing to the end of the war.
• Heavy casualties: The Meuse-Argonne Offensive resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the American Expeditionary Forces suffering over 120,000 casualties, making it one of the deadliest battles in American history.

• May 7, 1915 (during World War I)
• The British ocean liner was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland.
• The sinking resulted in the loss of nearly 1,200 lives, including 128 Americans,
• The attack intensified anti-German sentiment in the United States and contributed to America's entry into World War I.

• Established in 1917 during World War I in the United States.
• Led by George Creel, aimed to generate public support for the war effort.
• Utilized propaganda techniques to shape public opinion through various media channels.

• The sinking of American merchant ships by German submarines pushed the United States into World War I.
• Zimmerman Telegram revelation: Germany's attempt to form an alliance with Mexico against the US was revealed, fueling anti-German sentiment.
• Wilson's push for "war to end all wars": President Woodrow Wilson emphasized a moral duty to make the world "safe for democracy" as a reason for America's involvement in WWI.

• Passed in 1917 during World War I in the United States.
• Aimed to prohibit interference with military operations, recruitment, and to prevent support of US enemies during wartime.
• Criticized for its broad scope and potential infringement on freedom of speech and press.

• Signed in 1919 after World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations on Germany, amounting to billions of dollars in today's currency.
• The treaty also stripped Germany of significant territories, reduced its military capabilities, and placed responsibility for the war solely on Germany, leading to deep resentment and fostering conditions for future conflict.
• The Treaty of Versailles laid the groundwork for economic hardship and political instability in Germany, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the start of World War II.

• Passed during World War I in the United States.
• Aimed to suppress dissent against the government's war efforts.
• Targeted individuals and groups deemed to be disloyal or critical of the government.

• Enacted during World War I in the United States.
• Required men aged 21-30 to register for potential military service.
• Aimed to ensure enough troop numbers for the war effort through conscription if necessary.

• Sent by Germany: The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret communication sent by the German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann in 1917.
• It proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico if the United States entered World War I against Germany.
• The British intercepted and decoded the telegram, which contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I against Germany.

• Established in 1920 after World War I to promote peace and prevent future conflicts.
• Envisioned by Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points as a means to ensure international cooperation and security.
• First international organization aimed at resolving disputes diplomatically and fostering collective security among nations.

• Established in 1917 during World War I in the United States.
• Aimed to coordinate and oversee the production of war materials and resources.
• Led by Bernard Baruch, it centralized control over industries to ensure efficient mobilization for the war effort.

• End of World War I: Armistice Day, observed on November 11, 1918, marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front during World War I. The signing of the armistice agreement between the Allies and Germany signaled the end of the devastating conflict.
• Commemoration of Peace: Armistice Day was initially established to honor the peace achieved after the Great War. It served as a day to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in preventing future conflicts.

• Bolshevik Rise: The Russian Revolution of 1917 saw the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seize power from the Provisional Government, establishing a communist regime.
• End of Tsarist Rule: The revolution marked the end of centuries of Tsarist rule in Russia, caused by economic hardships, social inequality, and the strain of World War I.
• Formation of Soviet Union: The aftermath of the revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, a socialist state.

• High Morbidity and Mortality: Influenza pandemic of 1918 had a significant impact on U.S. troops, with high rates of morbidity and mortality recorded among soldiers stationed domestically and abroad.
• The pandemic severely disrupted military operations as troops fell ill in large numbers, affecting training, deployment, and combat readiness during a critical period of World War I.
• Strain on Medical Resources: The influx of influenza cases strained military medical resources, leading to shortages of personnel, hospital beds, and medical supplies

• Presented by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 during World War I.
• Advocated for principles such as self-determination, open diplomacy, and disarmament.
• Outlined a vision for post-war peace and served as a basis for the Treaty of Versailles negotiations.