Difference between revisions of "Zimmermann Telegram"
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| − | The '''Zimmermann | + | The '''Zimmermann Telegram''' was a telegram sent from [[German]] Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to [[Mexico]] on January 19th, 1917. |
In an effort to entice Mexico to join [[World War I]] on the side of Germany, it promised that Germany would help Mexico regain land it had previously lost to the United States during the [[Mexican War]] if Mexico would declare war against the United States. | In an effort to entice Mexico to join [[World War I]] on the side of Germany, it promised that Germany would help Mexico regain land it had previously lost to the United States during the [[Mexican War]] if Mexico would declare war against the United States. | ||
Revision as of 21:55, August 14, 2007
The Zimmermann Telegram was a telegram sent from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico on January 19th, 1917.
In an effort to entice Mexico to join World War I on the side of Germany, it promised that Germany would help Mexico regain land it had previously lost to the United States during the Mexican War if Mexico would declare war against the United States.
The telegram outraged American citizens when its contents were made public by President Woodrow Wilson via its newspaper publication on March 1st, 1917. The telegram influenced the United States to enter World War I against Germany.
British cryptographers intercepted the telegram and on February 24, 1917, gave it to the U.S. Government in an effort to to help the British cause.
When the text of the telegram was released, some newspapers doubted that the British self-serving version of the telegram was true. However Zimmermann himself confirmed the contents of the telegram during a speech on March 29, 1917.[1]
Telegram Text
The following is the code-broken and English translated contents of the telegram:
- We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal or alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the President’s attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to make peace.”
Signed, ZIMMERMANN.