TRIVIAL PURSUITS: Declarations of War Passed by U.S. Congress

Eleven times—the first in 1812 and the last in 1942.  

• Declaration of War with Great Britain, 1812 – On June 17, 1812, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Great Britain. The Senate approved the resolution by a vote of 19-13.  
• Declaration of War with Mexico, 1846 – On May 12, 1846, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Mexico. The Senate approved the resolution by a vote of 40-2.  
• Declaration of War with Spain, 1898 – On April 25, 1898, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Spain.  
• Declaration of War with Germany, 1917 – On April 6, 1917, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Germany. The Senate approved the resolution by a vote of 82-6 on April 4, 1917.  
• Declaration of War with Austria-Hungary, 1917 – On December 7, 1917, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Austria-Hungary. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 74-0.   
• Declaration of War with Japan, 1941 – On December 8, 1941, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Japan. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 82-0.  
• Declaration of War with Germany, 1941 – On December 11, 1941, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Germany. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 88-0.   
• Declaration of War with Italy, 1941 – On December 11, 1941, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Italy. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 90-0.  
• Declaration of War with Bulgaria, 1942 – On June 4, 1942, Congress approved a resolution declaring war with Bulgaria. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 73-0.   
• Declaration of War with Hungary, 1942 – On June 4, 1942, the Senate approved a resolution declaring war with Hungary. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 73-0.  
• Declaration of War with Rumania, 1942 – On June 4, 1942, the Senate approved a resolution declaring war with Rumania. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution, 73-0.