A series of events led the U.S. to enter World War I in 1917, despite President Wilson's initial goal of neutrality. These included Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare against American ships, which sank many vessels and proved too provocative for the U.S. Other factors were Germany's attempt to enlist Mexico as an ally against the U.S. via the Zimmerman Telegram, America's economic ties to and alliance with Britain, and Wilson's vision of America playing a role in establishing a post-war world order that ensured future peace. By early 1917, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, claiming it was necessary to "make the world safe for democracy."