Dec. 6 Lloyd George succeeds Asquith as British prime minister. Dec. 12 German peace offer. Refused (Dec. 30) as "empty and insincere." _Dec. 18 President Wilson's peace note._ Germany replies evasively (Dec. 26). Entente Allies' reply (Jan. 10) demands "restorations, reparation, indemnities." 1917 Jan. 10 The Allied governments state their terms of peace. Jan. 31 Germany announces unrestricted submarine warfare in specified zones. _Feb. 3 United States severs diplomatic relations with Germany._ Feb. 24 Kut-el-Amara taken by British under Gen. Maude. _Feb. 26 President Wilson asks authority to arm merchant ships._ _Feb. 28 "Zimmermann note" published._ Mar. 11 Bagdad captured by British under Gen. Maude. Mar. 11-15 Revolution in Russia, leading to abdication of Czar Nicholas II (Mar. 15). Provisional Government formed by Constitutional Democrats under Prince Lvov. _Mar. 12 United States announces that an armed guard will be placed on all American merchant vessels sailing through the war zone._ Mar. 17-19 Retirement of Germans to the "Hindenburg line" (page 118). _Mar. 24 Minister Brand Whitlock and American Relief Commission withdrawn from Belgium._ _Apr. 2 President Wilson asks Congress to declare the existence of a state of war with Germany._ _Apr. 6 United States declares war on Germany._ _Apr. 8 Austria-Hungary severs diplomatic relations with the United States._ Apr. 9- British successes in battle of Arras (Vimy Ridge taken May 14 Apr. 9). Apr. 16- French successes in battle of the Aisne between Soissons and May 6 Rheims. _Apr. 21 Turkey severs relations with United States._ _May 4 American destroyers begin coöperation with British navy in war zone._ May 15- Great Italian offensive on Isonzo front. Sept. 15 May 15 Gen. Pétain succeeds Gen. Nivelle as commander in chief of the French armies. _May 18 President Wilson signs selective service act._ June 7 British blow up Messines Ridge, south of Ypres, and capture 7,500 German prisoners. June 10 Italian offensive in Trentino. June 12 King Constantine of Greece forced to abdicate. _June 26 First American troops reach France._ June 29 Greece enters war against Germany and her allies. July 1 Russian army led in person by Kerensky, the Minister of War, begins an offensive in Galicia, ending in disastrous retreat (July 19-Aug. 3). July 20 Kerensky succeeds Prince Lvov as premier of Russia. July 30 Mutiny in German fleet at Wilhelmshaven and Kiel. Second mutiny Sept. 2. July 31- Battle of Flanders (Passchendaele Ridge); British successes. Nov.