World War I U.S. Events

  • Declaration of Neutrality

    Declaration of Neutrality
    President Woodrow Wilson officially announced the United States as neutral in the war.
  • Lusitania

    Lusitania
    German U-boats sink the Lusitania, and 1.198 civilians were killed. (128 americans)
  • Sussex Pledge Made

    Sussex Pledge Made
    Germany responds to President Woodrow Wilson by agreeing to limit its submarine warfare in order to avert a diplomatic break with the U.S.
  • Zimmerman Note

    Zimmerman Note
    The United States intercepted a note from Germany to Mexico asking to make an alliance against the U.S. It was translated by the British for the U.S.
  • Sussex Pledge Ended

    Sussex Pledge Ended
    Germany redeclares unrestricted submarine warfare.
  • 3 American ships targeted

    3 American ships targeted
    3 more U.S. trade ships were targeted and sunk by German U-boats.
  • Declaration of War

    Declaration of War
    Congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany, the U.S. enters war as allies with France and Britain.