United States declaration of war on Germany (1917)

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Declaration of war on Germany (1917)

In early April 1917, the United States moved from neutrality to war. President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress on April 2 for a declaration of war against the German Empire after Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare and began attacking ships near Europe and the U.S. He argued that armed neutrality was no longer possible and that the United States must defend its rights at sea.

Wilson spoke to Congress about why the nation should fight. He said the war would make the world “safe for democracy,” and stressed that the U.S. had no selfish aims and sought no conquest or indemnities. He urged Congress to accept that Germany had declared war on the United States and to use all means to bring the conflict to an end.

The Joint Resolution declaring a state of war passed both chambers. In the Senate, it approved 82–6 (with six not voting) on April 4. In the House, it passed early on April 6 by 373–50 (with eight not voting). One notable opponent in the House was Jeannette Rankin of Montana. In the Senate, some members, such as Robert M. La Follette of Wisconsin, spoke against the declaration, arguing that neutrality should require equal treatment of both belligerents and criticizing picking sides.

The law authorized the President to use the full naval and military forces of the United States and all government resources to wage war against Germany and to seek a swift end to the conflict. President Wilson signed the bill into law on April 6, 1917, and the United States officially entered World War I.

The vote showed broad support across parties, though opposition came mainly from certain Western and Midwestern lawmakers and a few others. The decision ended decades of U.S. neutrality and began America’s active involvement in the war.