U.S. Enters the War
On April 7, 1917, newspapers across the country announced that a state of war existed between the United States and Germany. Many, including the New York Times, printed President Wilson's proclamation in full, including its declaration of war and twelve points focused on “Alien Enemies.” Following the president's April 2 speech asking Congress to pass a war declaration, only fifty-six members of Congress voted against the measure, which the president signed on April 6. By that time, public opinion had also swung heavily in favor of American belligerence, moved by Germany's recent renewal of unrestricted submarine warfare and publication of the "Zimmerman telegram."