Questions: President Wilson's stance on American neutrality in World War I changed between 1914 and 1917. Which event occurred most proximate to Wilson's request to Congress to declare war? - Germany broke its promise to restrict its use of submarine warfare and sank the Laconia. - The value of American exports to the Allied powers reached 3 billion. - Britain suffered massive causalities in the Battle of the Somme. - Germany launched attacks on military and merchant ships around Great Britain.

The answer is: Germany broke its promise to restrict its use of submarine warfare and sank the Laconia.

Explanation for each option:

1. Germany broke its promise to restrict its use of submarine warfare and sank the Laconia.

   • This event is most proximate to President Wilson's request to Congress to declare war. The sinking of the Laconia in February 1917 was part of Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, which was a significant factor in Wilson's decision to ask Congress for a declaration of war in April 1917.

2. The value of American exports to the Allied powers reached \$3 billion.

   • While the economic ties between the U.S. and the Allied powers were significant and influenced American sentiment, this event is not directly proximate to Wilson's request for a declaration of war. It reflects the broader economic context rather than a specific triggering event.

3. Britain suffered massive casualties in the Battle of the Somme.

   • The Battle of the Somme occurred from July to November 1916 and resulted in massive casualties for Britain. However, this event is not directly proximate to Wilson's request for a declaration of war in April 1917. It is more relevant to the overall context of the war rather than a specific catalyst for U.S. involvement.

4. Germany launched attacks on military and merchant ships around Great Britain.

   • While Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare included attacks on military and merchant ships, the specific event of breaking the promise and sinking the Laconia is more directly proximate to Wilson's request for a declaration of war. This option is correct in a broader sense but less specific than the sinking of the Laconia.

In summary, the sinking of the Laconia by Germany, as part of its unrestricted submarine warfare, was the most immediate event leading to President Wilson's request to Congress to declare war on Germany.