Chronology | Will Englund

February 22, 1917 – I do not anticipate any revolution or violent outbreak.

The U.S. ambassador to Russia, David Francis, downplays the discontent that has been building in Petrograd. The photo shows a breadline in Russia’s capital city.

February 19, 1917 – The New York Times reports on growing American suspicions that Germany is actively preparing for war against the United States.

A century ago today February 19, 1917 – “Information has been received here, which some officials apparently believe is authentic, that a considerable number of German reservists have joined the Carranza forces and that a few German reservists are with the Villa army...

February 14, 1917 – The Government of the United States has clearly and definitely set forth its position in regard to the recognition of Governments which have come into power through revolution and other illegal methods.

Robert Lansing, the Secretary of State, warns liberal insurrectionists in Cuba that the Wilson administration does not support revolutions.

February 12, 1917 – He is yellow all through in the presence of danger.

After another American ship, the Lyman M. Law, is sunk by a U-boat, Theodore Roosevelt, who wants the United States to enter the war, disparages President Wilson’s hesitation.

February 11, 1917 – Soldiers everywhere – and a soldierly strictness, a soldierly hardness, a soldierly silence.

H.L. Mencken leaves Germany by train with most of the other American correspondents based there, and is struck by the scenes he sees at stations along the route.