(Monday, April 2, 1917, 8:35 p.m. local time; during World War I) — U.S. President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress tonight to declare war against Germany, saying, “The world must be made safe for democracy.”

Wilson cited Germany’s violation of its pledge to suspend unrestricted submarine warfare in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean as well as its attempts to entice Mexico into an alliance against the United States.

Video: 'President Woodrow Wilson's War Speech - 1917 - WW1 - Hear the Text'