between rival nations, Europe exploded into an all-out war in 1914. The United States was wary of becoming involved in a European conflict, but global events eventually drew America into the war in 1917.

This timeline outlines historical events that contributed to the start of World War I, and chronicles key events that occurred during the war. Global events are shown within the context of what has happening in the United States—with an emphasis on New York.

AFTER DECADES OF TENSION