President Woodrow Wilson addressed the U.S. Congress today, asking for a declaration of war against Germany. In his address, Wilson recommended certain war measures be taken immediately, including the addition of 500,000 men to the nation's army.

"The United States are at war, President Wilson stated in an epic speech on American rights that stirred a joint session of the new 65th Congress and jammed gallery to depths of emotion and numbered possibly 'the gage of battle with Germany,'" reported the Clearfield Progress on April 2, 1917. "It is now up to Congress to take action on the President's express and implied wishes. It is expected that Congress will pass a bill within a week declaring that a state of war exists, or one more drastic that will link the United States with the 'forces of humanity' in a struggle against Germany domain."

NOTE: With a Senate vote of 82 to 6 and a House vote of 373 to 50, Wilson was able to sign a declaration of war against Germany just four days after his address. The declaration signaled the beginning of American involvement in World War I.