On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany. Wilson had hoped the U.S. could remain neutral, but in early 1917, Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, sinking additional American ships. Then the British intercepted what is known as the Zimmerman Telegram, suggesting a Mexico-Germany alliance. These issues were beginning to sway the public, and Wilson brought the matter to Congress. Two days later, Wilson had the declaration he wanted—and dreaded.
