Background information: woodrow wilson was the president of the united states during world war i. in this speech, given april 2, 1917, he asked congress to declare war on germany. what is the main reason the united states is entering the war, according to wilson's speech? the war is disastrous without us involvement. the united states is determined to protect democratic ideals. war is near to the hearts of the american people. the united states needs to force germany to submit to american authority.