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World War I Time Table

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress and asked for a declaration of war. His speech ended:

But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts, for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world at last free. To such a task we can dedicate our lives and our fortunes, everything that we are and everything that we have, with the pride of those who know that the day has come when America is privileged to spend her blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth and happiness and the peace which she has treasured. God helping her, she can do no other.
Robert M. La Follette opposed the declaration of war was appalled at the war fever which immediately precluded any considered discussion. On April 4, he addressed the Senate:
It is unfortunately true that a portion of the irresponsible and war-crazed press, feeling secure in the authority of the President`s condemnation of the senators who opposed the armed-ship bill, have published the most infamous and scurrilous libels on the honor of the senators who opposed that bill. It was particularly unfortunate that such malicious falsehoods should fill the public press of the country at a time when every consideration for our country required that a spirit of fairness should be observed in the discussion of the momentous questions under consideration.

Date
Europe The Seas Elsewhere
1914
June


1st Colonel House mission
June 28
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

July 28
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia

August 1
Germany declares war on Russia

August 3
Germany declares war on France

August 4
Germany invades Belgium

August 4
Britain declares war on Germany

August 4


U.S. declares neutrality
August 6
Austria Hungary declares war on Russia

August 5-16
Siege of Liege

August 12
Austria Hungary invades Serbia

August 14
France invades Lorraine

August 22-23
Battle of Mons
Japan declares war on Germany
August 26-30
Battle of Tannenburg

August 28

Battle of Heligoland
August 30
Paris Zeppelin raid

September 5-9
1st Battle of the Marne

October 15 - November 24
1st Battle of Ypres

October 29


Turkey joins Central Powers
November 21


Britain and India invade Middle East
December 24-26
Christmas Truce

1915
January 19
London Zeppelin raid

January 28

William P. Frye sunk
February 4

Germany declares war zone around British Isles
February 19


Dardanelles naval attack
April


Turkey moves against Armenians
April 22
2nd Battle of Ypres begins

April 25


Gallipoli landing
May 1

Gulflight sunk
May 7

Lusitania sunk
May 23
Italy declares war on Austria Hungary

May 31
Zeppelin raid on London