Understanding the Zimmerman Telegram

¢Read and takes notes on the Zimmerman Telegram and the notes below.  Then answer the

questions.

 

THE ZIMMERMAN TELEGRAM:  To the  Minister to Mexico

¢Berlin,  Germany. January 19, 1917

¢On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted.  In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavour to keep neutral the United States of America.

¢If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace.  We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.  The details are left to you for settlement...

¢You are instructed to inform the President of Mexico of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate with Japan suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Germany and Japan.

¢Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless submarine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace in a few months.

¢Zimmermann   (Secretary of State) 

 

¢

¢NOTES:  It was decoded by the British.

• ¢This document was disclosed to the American public on February 28th 1917.  The note had a profound psychological effect.  It hardened the peace-loving American people to the conviction that war with Germany was an absolutely necessary step.

• ¢It revealed that Germany had no intention whatever of limiting her U-boat warfare so as to placate them.

• ¢Americans knew that surely the Great War had come to them at last….

• ¢the Zimmermann note today is seen as folly and futility.  Mexico knew well that no German ship, no aid in men or in munitions, could possibly reach her.  She delighted much in annoying the United States; but what chance was there that she would deliberately invite destruction by declaring war on the USA  to oblige Germany?

¢

Create your own notes from the above documents and notes; outline or bullet points (not sentences)

Answer:

¢1.  What was the intention of the Telegram?

¢2.  Describe the German proposal.

¢3.  What rewards would there be for Mexico by accepting this plan?

¢4.  In what 3  ways did it ‘backfire’ on Germany?

¢5.  Based upon the news of the Zimmerman Telegram, design a recruiting poster or a poster supporting going to war.

¢6.  Would the USA have remained neutral if the Zimmerman Telegram was not revealed?  Why or why not?