Woodrow Wilson's pre-war speech to congress

Wilson's Speech

Before America joined the war President Wilson made a speech to congress. He was requesting that America be able to join the war. This post will be on the speech he gave.

Wilson begins his speech by addressing German U-boat warfare. He says that it is our duty to protect ourselves and our allies against such reckless hate shown by the Germans in their U-boat warfare. He says it is no longer a choice for us to be involved in the war but our duty. He then says that the Germans have attacked civilian craft as well as military craft, and they have done it in an unfair way. For a ship can run from another ship, but a submarine attacks without warning.

He then goes on to say that we are not enemies with the German people. We are enemies of their leaders who have misled them to achieve their own selfish ends. He also says that German Americans are our friends and are willing to help us in our efforts. He concludes by wishing America luck in her pursuit of liberty and justice.