TIMELINE DIAGRAM VI

1915

World War I - Color coded edition

Red - stay out, Yellow - thinking about it, Green - go to war/within war Ipek Coskunuzer

1918

United States Enters World War I (April 6, 1917): After repeated German attacks on American ships, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany, marking the U.S. entry into World War I on the side of the Allies.

Committee on Public Information (April 13, 1917): This was established by President Woodrow Wilson, and this committee was responsible for generating public support for the war effort through propaganda, censorship, and media manipulation, aiming to shape public opinion in favor of the war and to maintain morale on the home front.

Selective Service Act (May 18, 1917): Also known as "the draft," this legislation authorized the enrollment of American men into the military during World War I. It allowed for the rapid expansion of the U.S. armed forces and played a crucial role in bolstering troop numbers for the war effort.

Meuse-Argonne Offensive (September 26 to November 11, 1918): The largest and final offensive campaign of World War I, involving American and French forces against the German Empire on the Western Front. It resulted in significant Allied gains and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the German war effort and the signing of the Armistice.

Russian Revolution (February to October 1917): A series of revolutions in Russia thatled to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of the Bolshevik government under Vladimir Lenin. This event had significant international repercussions, including Russia's withdrawal from World War I and the rise of Soviet Russia as a major global power.

Espionage Act (June 15, 1917): Enacted shortly after the U.S. entry into World War I, this law criminalized acts of espionage, sabotage, and interference with military operations, as well as the promotion of anti-war sentiments. It was used to suppress dissent and prosecute individuals perceived as threats to national security during the war.

Wilson's Fourteen Points Speech (January 8, 1918): A speech delivered by President Woodrow Wilson outlining his vision for post-war peace and diplomacy, which included principles such as self-determination for nations, disarmament, freedom of the seas, and the establishment of a League of Nations to prevent future conflicts.

Sedition Act (May 16, 1918): A controversial extension of the Espionage Act, the Sedition Act criminalized speech deemed disloyal, seditious, or critical of the government, particularly regarding the war effort. It was used to suppress dissent and prosecute individuals, including political radicals and pacifists, during World War I.

Armistice Day (November 11, 1918): The day marking the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, following the signing of the armistice agreement between the Allies and Germany. It is observed as a day of remembrance for the sacrifices of those who served in the war, and later became Veterans Day in the United States.

Formation of the League of Nations (January 10, 1920): Established as part of the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations was the first international organization aimed at maintaining peace and resolving conflicts through diplomacy and collective security measures. It ultimately proved ineffective in preventing the outbreak of World War II but laid the groundwork for the United Nations.

Treaty of Versailles (June 28, 1919): The peace treaty that officially ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations. Its terms, particularly the War Guilt Clause, contributed to resentment and economic instability in Germany, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

Zimmermann Telegram (January 16, 1917): A secret diplomatic communication sent by the German Empire to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States. Intercepted and deciphered by British intelligence, its revelation to the American public contributed to growing anti-German sentiment and played a role in the U.S. decision to enter World War I.

Influenza Pandemic and its Impact on U.S. Troops (1918): The Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 infected approximately one-third of the world's population and had a devastating impact on U.S. troops, causing widespread illness, death, and disruption to military operations during World War I.

Sinking of the Lusitania (May 7, 1915): The British ship called Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland during World War I, leading to the deaths of nearly 1,200 civilians, including 128 Americans. This significantly contributed to anti-German bias in the United States and influenced the country's eventual entry into the war.

War Industries Board (July 28, 1917): Created to oversee the production and allocation of war materials during World War I, the War Industries Board regulated industry, standardized production, and coordinated procurement to ensure efficient mobilization of resources for the war effort.