Description:

Woodrow Wilson
Washington, DC, April 6, 1917
Wilson Declares War on Germany! 1917 Original Government Printed Joint Resolution Signed by the President, VP & House Speaker
DS

Public Resolution No. 1 of the 65th Congress in which the United States enters World War I against the German Empire. Signed in the lower half by President Woodrow Wilson, Vice President Thomas Marshall, and House Speaker Champ Clark. 1p, measuring 5" x 9" (sight), Washington, D.C., April 6, 1917. Signed both physically and in print by all three men as "Thos. R. Marshall"; "Woodrow Wilson"; and "Champ Clark". Matted and framed to an overall size of 8.75" x 12.5". Exhibits expected age toning and light creasing throughout. Else, near fine. Not examined outside of frame.

The document reads in part:

"Joint Resolution Declaring that a state of war exists between the Imperial German Government and the Government and the people of the United States and making provisions to prosecute the same.
Whereas the Imperial German Government has committed repeated acts of war… Therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives… That the state of war between the United States and the Imperial German Government which has thus been thrust upon the United States is hereby formally declared;…."

On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson delivered an address to Congress calling for the declaration of war against Germany, stating: "Neutrality is no longer feasible or desirable where the peace of the world is involved and the freedom of its peoples…." The subsequent joint resolution was passed on the same day by the Senate, and four days later in the House of Representatives. It was then approved and signed into law by Wilson, marking the United States' official involvement in World War I. Despite the President's initial pledge to remain neutral, several incidents resulted in a strong shift of public opinion against Germany and its allies by 1917.

Beginning in 1915, German submarine warfare had resulted in the sinking of several ships and the loss of American lives. Most notable of these came on May 7, 1915 with the attack on the 'Lusitania', resulting in the death of 128 Americans. Tensions escalated further with the release of the infamous Zimmerman Telegram in February 1917, which formed a secret alliance between Germany and Mexico in the event that the United States joined the War. Perhaps most shockingly was German's resolution to aid the Mexican government in reclaiming the territories of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Wilson's resolution to declare war unanimously passed, therefore, in both the Senate and House with over 75% in favor.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.75" x 12.5" (framed)
  • Medium: DS

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