The Zimmermann Telegram, 1917

What was the Zimmermann Telegram?

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret diplomatic message that was discovered by the British. It helped to swing the American public into supporting a war against Germany.

When was the Zimmermann Telegram sent?

The Zimmermann Telegram was sent on 16th January, 1917. It was given to the American government at the end of February and was reported in newspapers on 1st March, 1917.

What did the Zimmermann Telegram say?

The telegram instructed the German ambassador to Mexico to suggest the following proposals to the Mexican government:

• ❖ It said that Germany would offer financial and military support to Mexico, if Mexico attacked the United States.
• ❖ It requested the Mexicans to ask Japan to become an ally of Germany.

How was the Zimmermann Telegram discovered?

The telegram was discovered because the British had broken the German secret codes. This enabled them to decipher the message.

Who sent the Zimmermann Telegram?

The Zimmermann Telegram involved several governments and people:

• ❖ The top secret telegram was sent by the German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann, to the German ambassador in Mexico.
• ❖ The British intelligence services intercepted and decoded the telegram.
• ❖ The British handed the telegram to the American government.

What were the consequences of the Zimmermann Telegram?

There were 3 key consequences of the Zimmermann Telegram:

• ❖ In March, the contents of the telegram had been released to the world's press. The unfortunate Zimmermann admitted that he written the note. The world now had another reason to see Germany as a dangerous and aggressive nation.
• ❖ Public opinion in the United States began to turn in favour of war, especially as the Germans had recently resumed unrestricted submarine warfare. This made many Americans angry.
• ❖ Woodrow Wilson now felt confident enough to ask Congress to declare war against Germany on 2nd April 1917.