1917:He asks the U.S. Congress for a declaration of war on Germany
However, he refrained from asking for a declaration of war 
because he ... Wilson asked Congress for the authority to arm U.S. merchant 
ships with U.S.... [DOC] [TLE] Wilson's War Message to Congress - World War I Document Archive [PAR] May 28, 2009 ... On 3 February 1917, President Wilson addressed Congress to announce that 
diplomatic ... That had seemed to be the object of the German submarine warfare 
.... less than war against the Government and people of the United States; that ... 
only under cover and where no one has the right to ask questions.