In March 1917, German submarines sank three unarmed American merchant ships—the Vigilancia, the City of Memphis, and the Illinois—killing many aboard. Reaction in America was violent. “[Germany] is firing upon our ships, sinking them, destroying or endangering the lives of our citizens,” the New York Times responded. “This is the very essence of war.” When President Wilson polled his cabinet, all ten men voted for war, some with tears streaming down their faces.
