John's WW1 Timeline

WWI Timeline

1917-1920

1915

Zimmermann Telegram (January 1917)

Russian Revolution (March 1917)

Sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

Early 1917

Committee on Public Information (April 1917)

United States Enters World War I (April 1917)

Selective Service Act (May 1917)

Late 1917

Influenza Pandemic and its Impact on U.S. Troops (1918)

Espionage Act (June 1917)

War Industries Board (July 1917)

Early 1918

Wilson's Fourteen Points Speech (January 1918)

Meuse-Argonne Offensive (September 1918)

Sedition Act (May 1918)

Late 1918

1920

Armistice Day (Nov 1918)

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Formation of the League of Nations (1920)

Russian Revolution

A revolution came to rise in Russia to overthrow the Tsar government, bringing the Bolsheviks to power. During the revolution, Russia withdrew from WW1. However, due to fear of communism's spread, incentives to participate in the war grew for America

Zimmermann Telegram

The Zimmermann Telegram was meant to be a secret telegram sent to Mexico from Germany in order to encourage an attack on America from the south. However, the British intercepted the message, and thus, pushed America to enter the war due to German aggression.

Sinking of the Lusitania

On May 7, 1915, civilian boat Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-boat. This marked a turn point from a nuetral stance to anti-German public opinions. However, this did not immediately bring the US to war.

Treaty of Versailles

This treaty marked the end of WW1. The treaty was incredibly unfair to Germany as it limited Germany’s military power as well as blamed them for the war. This came as a result of Britain, Italy, and France’s desire for vengeance rather than peace.

Meuse-Argonne Offensive

This offensive was one of the final conflicts in WW1. In hopes of dividing German troops, intercepting information, and cutting off supplies, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest American lead battle in WW1 (1 million+ American soldiers). This conflict resulted in 350,000 deaths, however directly lead to the Allied victory.

Committee on Public Information

The Committee on Public Information was originally commissioned by President Wilson in order to justify US entry into the war. By utilizing celebrities and famous locals, this organization actively villainized Germany and suppressed an even more pressing Spanish Flu.

United States Enters World War I

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went before Congress to declare war against Germany. By April 6, both the Senate and House supported the declaration of war.

Selective Service Act

This act allowed the US government to increase military power through drafting and is still applicable today. By the end of WW1, ~24 mil men were registered under the act.

Armistice Day

This day marked the official end of the war as the armistice (agreement) was signed at 5:45 am on Nov 9th. However, fighting continued until 11am, resulting in 2000 deaths. Armistice day was declared as Nov 11th a year later by King Geroge V to remember the hour the armistice went into effect.

Influenza Pandemic and its Impact on U.S. Troops

During the war effort, the Influenza Pandemic (or Spanish Flu) caused 50 million deaths, far more than the war itself. This caused a mortality rate of 35% in the AEF (American Expeditionary Forces) and decreased morale.

Sedition Act

Similar to the Sedition Act of 1798, the 1918 Sedition Act made it illegal to express opinions against gov decisions (such as drafts) for the war. Although this clearly violated the 1st Amendment, Congress ruled it constitutional under the idea of “special wartime authority”

Wilson's Fourteen Points Speech

During the war, President Woodrow Wilson gave his Fourteen Points Speech to Congress in hopes of advocating a peaceful world. In the speech, peace terms were advocated for with Central Powers which involved unique alliances to balance international powers. However, many of the points in his speech ultimately did not make it into the Treaty of Versailles.

Formation of the League of Nations

Stemming from Wilson's 14 Points, the League of Nations was created in order to resolve international conflicts and preserve peace. Every country was obligated to reduce military power and respect territorial boundaries. However due to opposition from Congress, America never joined the League.

War Industries Board

The War Industries Board, a US government agency, was created to regulate manufacturing, set quotas, labor management, and distribute weapons or goods to the military. Despite the significant increase in industrial production, US retail prices soared to almost double.

The Espionage Act

The Espionage Act was passed in order to investigate and subdue wartime activities that were suspicious, dangerous, or disloyal to the United States with huge fines and imprisonments. This resulted resentment from citizens, quoting a violation of the 1st amendment.