In the spring of 1917, the landscape of World War I had transformed due to growing tensions between the United States and Germany. President Woodrow Wilson had initially maintained a position of neutrality, supported by a majority of the American populace who preferred to avoid entanglement in foreign wars. However, multiple factors began to shift public opinion and Wilson's stance, most notably Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, which threatened American ships and lives. In late March 1917, German U-boats sank three American merchant vessels, leading to increased calls for action from various quarters, including politicians, business leaders, and citizens.

On April 2, Wilson stood before a joint session of Congress to articulate the reasons for his request for a declaration of war against Germany. He highlighted the violation of neutral rights over the seas and the broader implications of German aggression not only for the United States but for the safety of democracies worldwide. Wilson's appeal was laden with moral rhetoric, portraying the United States as an agent of peace and justice in a tumultuous global landscape. His address brilliantly articulated the necessity for the U.S. to take a stand against tyranny, culminating in a request for Congress to affirm this stance through a formal declaration of war.

The ensuing debate was intense, yet, ultimately, Congress backed Wilson's call, leading to an official declaration of war on April 6, 1917. This decision changed the course of American foreign policy and marked the United States' emergence as a significant player on the world stage. The mobilization of American forces and resources in support of the Allied Powers heralded a new chapter in global conflict, setting the United States on a path for direct military engagement and a commitment to shaping the post-war world order.