Meaning: The quote you provided is from George Norris, a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Representative and Senator from the state of Nebraska. The quote refers to a significant event in American history: President Woodrow Wilson's request to Congress to declare war against Germany during World War I.

In April 1917, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany in response to the German government's aggressive use of submarine warfare in the Atlantic Ocean. This aggressive tactic involved declaring certain war zones where German submarines, also known as U-boats, would sink any ships, including those of neutral nations like the United States, without warning. This resulted in the loss of American lives and the destruction of American ships, which ultimately led to the decision for the United States to enter the war.

George Norris expressed his opinion on the President's request for a declaration of war in his quote. As a politician known for his independent and progressive views, Norris was often a vocal critic of militarism and interventionism. In this quote, he highlights the specific reason given by President Wilson for seeking a declaration of war against Germany - the German government's unrestricted submarine warfare that directly targeted American interests.

Norris's quote reflects the debate and controversy surrounding America's entry into World War I. Many Americans were initially hesitant to become involved in the conflict that had been raging in Europe since 1914. The U.S. had maintained a policy of neutrality, but the actions of the German government, particularly its aggressive use of submarine warfare, forced the nation to reconsider its position.

President Wilson, who had won re-election in 1916 on a platform of keeping the U.S. out of the war, ultimately felt compelled to seek a declaration of war in response to the escalating provocations by Germany. His request to Congress was based on the principle that the German actions directly threatened American lives and interests. The sinking of the British ocean liner Lusitania in 1915, which resulted in the deaths of 128 Americans, had already strained relations between the U.S. and Germany. The subsequent resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917 further exacerbated tensions and ultimately led to Wilson's request for war.

Congress ultimately voted to declare war on Germany, and the United States officially entered World War I. This decision had far-reaching consequences, both domestically and internationally. The war had a profound impact on American society and the global order, marking the U.S.'s emergence as a major player on the world stage.

In conclusion, George Norris's quote captures a critical moment in American history, reflecting the debate and decision to enter World War I in response to German submarine warfare. The events surrounding this period and the subsequent war had a lasting impact on the United States and the world at large. It serves as a reminder of the complex considerations and consequences of decisions related to war and foreign policy.