Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Zimmerman Note


If the telegram had not been intercepted by British agents, what do you think might have happened? Cite evidence from outside sources to support your opinion. Please post your brief, but detailed blog response by 8:00am Friday April 1.

51 comments:

  1. Left with a mere few options at this stage of WWI, the foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman sent a coded telegram to the German Ambassador to Mexico pleading him to urge the Mexican government to distract the United States by waging war. Luckily, British cryptographers managed to intercept the message and hastily sent the deciphered telegram to the U.S government, sending waves of public outrage which eventually led to the United States' declaration of war against the German Empire and its allies. But even today some cannot help but to ponder what could have happened if those British cryptographers had not decoded the message; could the United States had faced a war with Mexico?
    If the message had not been intercepted, Mexico would have not complied with Zimmerman's request because of many factors that would have backfired on Mexico. When the ambassador received this telegram, the president of Mexico immediately consulted with a Mexican general whether this could be accomplished. The general, who carefully analyzed the situation, concluded that it would be nearly impossible or even desirable to execute the mission because of several factors including straining Mexico's healing relations with the United States, not having the military means or arms compared to the U.S, and the Royal Navy would prevent Mexico from receiving any weaponry or financial support. Although waging war on the United States would have distracted it and slowed the export of American arms to the Triple Entente, Mexico did not have the capabilities to invade the massive country which could have worsened Germany's position in the war (Katz). Also, the Mexican government could not have easily focused its attention on a possible war with the United States because of the current civil war running rampant in Mexico.
    Even though some argue the Zimmerman note could have incited a war between Mexico and the United States, this potential war would not have been successful at all. Mexico would be throwing away its resources and citizens' lives if it did wage war to further Germany in WWI. Those British cryptographers not only saved the United States, but also Mexico.

    Worked Cited:

    Katz, Friedrich. The Secret War in Mexico: Europe, the United States, and the Mexican Revolution. (1981).

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  2. The Zimmerman Note, a diplomatic telegraph from the German Foreign Secretary, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German ambassador to Mexico, via the German ambassador to the U.S. The Zimmerman Note is widely credited as being a or the deciding factor in U.S. entry into World War I; however, it merely accelerated the conclusion of an already determined action. With the German implementation early in the war of unrestricted submarine warfare, an action that resulted in the sinking of numerous neutral American merchant ships, worsening the American public’s opinion of Germany, and the sinking of the Lusitania and the ensuing deaths of more than 100 innocent American civilians almost causing the U.S. to declare war, Germany was already toeing the line in its political relations with America. Although America and Italy successfully coerced Germany into halting USW, its resumption in early 1917 (deemed absolutely necessary for victory by the German military command) made war with the United States an almost unavoidable certainty. This fact was even recognized by Germany - they simply gambled that the resumption of USW would allow them to achieve victory on the Western Front before the United States would be able to mobilize its sluggish democratic government, military, and public. This is where the Zimmerman Note gains its significance - although it had virtually no impact on the United States’ decision to enter the war, it had every effect on the rapidity with which that end was acheived. With the American populace and media enraged, and the necessary buildup of public approval for entering the war that could have taken months happening overnight, President Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany barely a month after the publishing of the note, and Congress obliged with a landslide vote. Had the British not intercepted the telegram - a very real possibility, given that the Germans took pains to use supposedly neutral diplomatic cables and a supposedly as-of-yet unbroken cipher - and managed to invent a suitable pretense on which to share it with the Americans, it very well could have been an additional year before the first American troops arrived in Europe. Although the effects of a delayed American entry can never be known for sure, a delay would undoubtedly have resulted in tens or hundreds of thousands more casualties and a significant prolongation of the war.

    Sources:
    http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/zimmermann.htm
    http://europeanhistory.about.com/cs/americainww1/p/przimmermantele.htm
    http://www.pinzler.com/ushistory/zimmermansupp.html
    http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/zimmermann/

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  4. When Germany saw that it was the last one standing left of its side of the war it went to great lengths in order to secure a win. Two of these lengths were the reintroduction to unrestricted submarine warfare and trying to get more allies on their side to help fight. In January 1917 Alfred Zimmermann sent a coded note to the German ambassador in Mexico. This note stated that Germany wanted an alliance with Mexico, since Mexico is so close to America it would be easy to fight if America entered the war, and it offered Mexico the territory it lost in the Mexican-American war (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona). Although the British intercepted the note and once they decoded it they sent it the America. The note was posted all over American newspapers. This and the sinking of the Lusitania caused by unrestricted submarine warfare made the public very angry at the Germans, and soon after the note was published America entered the war.
    The American public did not like the Germans after the sinking of the Lusitania where thousands of innocent people died due to unrestricted submarine warfare. The Germans using submarine warfare enraged America; this alone would have caused America to enter the was sooner or later. This was because of the number of innocent American casualties, the Americans were either in the wrong place at the wrong time, or they were shipping goods to the Allies and so the Germans would torpedo the boat. This continuation of unrestricted submarine warfare also enraged the public, propaganda against the Germans having to do with the sinking of the Lusitania and the American navy having to end the Germans reign of terror came about. So if there was no Zimmermann note then the unrestricted submarine warfare would have been enough to make America enter the was if it continued. Although their entrance into the war would be later without that trigger that sent them to the war. A later entrance to the war would mean many more casualties. The Second Battle of the Marne would not have happened, or it would have been prolonged, and so the German may have never been stopped from going into France. On the military part of things though, there is no telling what would have happened. Although, it could be assumed that America would enter the war before Germany took control of too much land and from that point on the Germans would be pushed back.

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  5. On the other side of things, Mexico would not have entered the war even if the note was not intercepted. This is because of what happened when Mexico received the message. The Mexican president went to one of the high ranking Mexican generals and asked if there was any benefit for Mexico to enter this war with Germany against America. The general advised that entering the war was a bad idea for several reasons. Some of these reasons include that Mexico does not have the means and weapons to fight a nation as strong as America and with the Royal Navy blocking the sea the Germans would not have a fast way to transport goods to Mexico to aid them, also the relationship between Mexico and America at the time was fragile and going to war would result badly for that relationship. In the end Mexico chose not to enter the war at all, even if the note had not been intercepted the same conclusion would have been made, and it focused on its own problems like the civil wars it had around that same time.
    So overall, if the Zimmermann note had not been intercepted there would still have been no war between Mexico and the United States in World War II. Also, there would be no trigger for America to enter the war soon and so they would eventually enter the war because of the unrestricted submarine warfare and the great number of innocent American casualties. America would have entered the war at some point before Germany took too much of an advantage over Britain, but they would have joined in later and that would have resulted in many more casualties for both sides.
    Works Cited

    "Our Documents - Zimmermann Telegram (1917)." Welcome to OurDocuments.gov. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .
    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History – The History of Europe. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .
    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .

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  6. On January of 1917, British code-breakers had intercepted a telegram from German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German Minister in Mexico, Johann von Eckhardt, talking about how if Mexico waged war against America, Germany would fully financially and militarily support Mexico in Mexico’s war efforts. And if Mexico won the war, she would regain the territories of California, Arizona, and Texas. It also included that Germany would soon engage in unrestricted submarine warfare. However, it wasn’t until late February when the British sent the note to America. Within less than a week, the Americans published the note in the newspapers. On April, the United States Congress declared war on Germany.
    The effects of the note was huge. As David Kahn, author of The Codebreakers wrote, “No other single cryptanalysis has had such enormous consequences.” As the result of the note, United States soon deported troops into the Western Front of World War I and defeated the Germans in 100 days. However, if the note was not intercepted, things would have been drastically different. There was an anti-Germany sentiment growing in the states, but not enough to send American troops into the war. The war could possibly have dragged on for a few more wars, and Germany may even have had the upper hand until America arrived after thorough begging of the Western Europeans to finally defeat the Germans. There would have been millions more casualties, and Germans would have been subjected to worse terms and conditions in the peace treaty. Perhaps Germany never would have again risen to power to create World War II.
    On the Americas, Mexico would never have joined the war no matter what. They did not have the materials nor supplies nor the powerful enough of an army to fight against someone as mighty as America. Although Mexico would have received supplies from Germany, the Royal Navy of Britain would have most likely stopped or slowed the transfer of supplies. In the end, the Zimmerman note in the long run would probably not have been very effective.

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  7. The Zimmerman note was a telegram sent from the German foreign minister Arthur Zimmerman to the German minister, to be sent on to Mexico. The British intercepting the coded message and deciphered it. The note urged Mexico to join the German side of the war if America joined the British. And if Mexico agreed, they would receive the land they lost (Arizona, Texas and New Mexico). The Zimmerman note was spread to America through media. This sent waves of shock and anger throughout the American people, which eventually caused America to declare war on Germany.
    If the British had not intercepted the Zimmerman note, then America might not have joined the war. The Zimmerman note was one of the larger benefactors that pushed America into joining World War I with the Allied troops. There were other events that added to the final result, but it has been argued that the Zimmerman note had the most influence on the decision for America to deport troops to Europe.
    Mexico might not have agreed to the terms of the note. If they had, it could hurt the healing relationship with the United States at the moment. Agreeing to the terms could also bring major consequences to Mexico. Germany would not be able to send money, supplies, or reinforcements due to the British navy patrolling the water.

    Duffy, Michael. "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. 22 Aug. 2009. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .
    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History – The History of Europe. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .

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  8. Emily Leposky
    World History Honors
    Webber Period 4


    The Zimmerman Note was a secretly coded telegram sent by German Foreign Minister, Zimmerman, to the German Ambassador in Mexico, Heinrich von Eckardt, by way of German Ambassador Johann von Bernstorff in Washington, DC. It was sent in January of 1917 in the height of WW1 and British cryptographers deciphered the telegram was proposing that Mexico go to war with the United States. When the British cryptographers sent the decoded message to the United States, Americans were outraged. The United States had tried to stay neutral concerning the war but when Germany broke the Sussex Pledge to limit submarine warfare, it angered the United States and they severed diplomatic relations with Germany. The decoded message from Germany to Mexico further outraged the United States which caused them to go to war earlier than they had intended. If the telegram had not been intercepted Mexico would not have entertained the idea of war with the United States because they: had just worked to maintain good relations with the U.S. through ABC Nations, they would not be able to obtain the war supplies because the manufacturers were in the U.S., Mexico knew they could not win against the well armed English speaking area. What the telegram did do is expedite the U.S. into entering the war. On April 6, the United States declared war on Germany and its allies. The United States was livid because of the numerous Americans that lost their lives when Germany sank British ships carrying them and American cargo. If the telegram had not been intercepted, the U.S. would have delayed their declaration of war and could have possibly changed the outcome. The war probably ended earlier than it would have and with less lives lost. The Zimmerman Note was intended by Germany to help them but, ultimately caused them to surrender earlier.

    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

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  9. Radmer van der Heyde
    Honors World History 7
    Webber

    Had the Zimmerman note not been intercepted by British agents, the war would turned out in the same manner. Even without the Zimmerman note the United States would have backed the allies. Germany upon releasing the Zimmerman note was to return to unrestricted submarine warfare, which was the cause of the sinking many merchant vessels including the Lusitania. This angered the United States government and public and by its self would have been enough to draw the US into the war especially after the Germans said they would stop. However, even without the Zimmerman note, this was coupled with the United States being a the biggest trading partner with western Europe, so United States was bound to help its trade allies. Plus, France and Britain were both democratic nations while Germany was autocratic deterring the United States even more from joining the Kaiser. Also, many in congress were very strong supporters of the allies cause and were only looking for a way to get the public more to their side. In addition, the United States would want to enter WWI for it would their true power and the role they could play in world politics in future years. Therefore, with all this in consideration, the United States was bound to join the war on the side of the allies, but it was all just a question of when.
    Also Mexico would not have joined Germany as an ally anyway. Mexico’s relationship with the United States was becoming more and more friendly. In addition to Mexico not being industrialized or strongly armed to successfully attack the growing power of the United States. So in reality, the purpose of the Zimmerman note’s interception by British code breakers was to outrage the American public enough for the sleeping giant to flex its muscles and win the war for the allies.

    Biesinger, Joseph A. "Zimmermann Telegram." Germany: A Reference Guide from the Renaissance to the Present, European Nations. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc.accessed March 30, 2011.

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  10. During World War I, a desperate man named Arthur Zimmerman intended to send a coded telegram to Mexico. This telegram was basically a bribe in order for Mexico to become allies with Germany. The Zimmerman note was intercepted by the British and decoded. Outraged, the British sent this note to the United States at once. This single note was the final straw for the Americans and was their excuse to enter the war. Without this note, the Americans would have waited longer to interfere with the war. The Zimmerman note read "On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor 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.” From the start of the war Mexico decided to remain neutral throughout the war. Though this letter was intercepted, I believe Mexico would have remained neutral regardless: “After the United States declared war on Germany, Mexican President Venustiano Carranza declared that Mexico would maintain "strict and rigorous neutrality.””
    If the note had not been intercepted, Mexico would have not complied with the request of the Germans. This is because of the close ties that Mexico shares with the United States. Mexico is on the border and thus benefits from trade and other essentials from the United States. If Mexico would have joined the German army, a larger war could have potentially occurred. The Americans would be outraged and the war could have strained longer. I believe that the note was solely a final straw for the Americans and nothing more. Even if they desired, Mexico would have been unable to join the war with the Germans because of the close ties with America. The land offered to them wasn’t as valuable as their close relationship with America.


    "Trenches on the Web - Special: Latin America in World War I." World War I - Trenches on the Web. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.
    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History The History of Europe. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

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  11. In 1917, during World War one the British intercepted a coded German message addressed to Mexico. The telegram was Germany’s proposal to Mexico to ally with Germany and make war on the United States. Mexico declined the offer, though the telegram heavily influenced the United States of America’s decision to enter the war. In 1917, Americans and the American congress and government strongly opposed the German forces and their ideals and actions in WWI. In addition, most Americans were anti-Mexican. Still, many Americans wished to not get involved in the war in Europe, though this was changing. The Zimmerman telegram seemingly pushed the United States government and population over the edge, stimulating even greater opposition to the Germans and Mexicans. America had already been assisting British forces militarily in that the United States supplied much of Britain’s weaponry, suggesting that maybe the United States was rather eager to get involved in the conflict. Despite somewhat widespread disapproval of America entering the war, the government ultimately had the final say. And it seems evident that actually the government and President Wilson wanted to be involved in the conflict; it was Wilson and the United States administration that made the decision to release the Zimmerman note to the press, resulting its appearance in every front page of every United States newspaper. Wilson released information about the note so as to increase popular anti-German sentiment as well as decrease Americans’ opposition to the war. It was the U.S. government who bestowed arms to the British forces. Americans’ opinions and actions (especially the U.S. government) about the war had already begun to support the United States’ entrance in the European war. This was the U.S. government’s plan. If the American people favored the war then getting involved would be simple. First, though, the government needed to give its people a good reason to not oppose entrance (the Zimmerman Note). The Zimmerman Note was not the spark that lit the flame. Rather, it was an excuse for the government to get its country involved. Had the Zimmerman note not been intercepted there most definitely would have been another event to take its place and contribute to America’s decision to enter the War. Similarly to the United States government’s decision to enter Iraq in 2004, the Zimmerman note was a scapegoat for the United States to enter WWI. In 2003, President George Bush jr. claimed Iraq possessed “weapons of mass destruction” and were a threat to the United States. Of course, Iraq did not have said weapons. Bush and his conservative regime wanted a realistic reason to invade Iraq and take out Saddam Hussein and reconstruct Iraq in order to build a one-sided relationship in the United States’ favor. Bush wanted to implement the United States’ ideals in Iraq (i.e. democracy) and in turn rebuild the rest of the Middle East. Iraq and the Middle East had what America wanted. The Zimmerman note was the perfect excuse to get more involved in the foreign war in 1917. Oppositely, to the Luecitania sinking by way of German U-boats, the Zimmerman note was not a direct attack on American citizens or forces. Therefore, it did not have as much an effect on the U.S.’s entrance in the war.

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  12. Works Cited

    "The Zimmermann Telegram." United States History. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History – The History of Europe. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  13. Victoria Mansfield
    Mr. Webber
    Honors World History, period 6
    30 March, 2011

    The Zimmermann Note is known for being the primary reason on America's entry to WWI. The telegram was sent on January 19th , 1917 from the German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann, to the government of Mexico proposing a German-Mexican alliance. The Germans had promised the Mexicans that they would earn back the territories they had previously lost to Germany; Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and they would also be rewarded with financial support. However, the British intercepted the telegram and British cryptographers were able to decipher the telegram. They released it to America on February 24th, 1917. Once the United States discovered this information, they published the news and declared war on Germany and their allies. This is considered to be one of the main purposes on the U.S entry to the war. What would have happened the telegram had not intercepted by British agents? The outcome of the Americans entering the war would probably have been the same, but might have occurred a few years later. This is because although the Zimmermann note is regarded as one of the main reasons for America's entry to the war, there were also other factors such as the sinking of the Lusitania, which was due to German policy on unrestricted submarine warfare. Everyone including the Americans were extremely upset with the Germans after the sinking of the Lusitania and this event was also a large factor which quickly drove the Americans to enter the war. Therefore, the outcome might have been exactly the same because of this incident. Also, there is a possibility that Mexico would not have joined Germany even with the advantage of gaining back territories because this would have damaged their relationship with America. Even if they had joined Germany, Mexico could not have carried on a successful war with the U.S. Although these are all possibilities, the Mexicans most likely would not have accepted Germany's offer and the American's entry to the war would have been delayed. Even though there were other factors which compelled the U.S to join the war, the Zimmermann note sparked this entrance. The war might have also gone on a while longer but the end results would have been the same.


    Works Cited

    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History – The History of Europe. Web. 30 Mar. 2011

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  14. On January 16th 1917 foreign secretary of the German Empire, Arthur Zimmermann sent a note addressed to Mexico proposing that they declare war on the U.S and attempt to regain the territories that the U.S gained in the Mexican-American war (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona- California was left out because the Germans wanted to control the coast) and then proceed to join Germany in the war against the allies. However the plan never went through because the note was intercepted by the British, decoded and the Americans were alerted of the plan. This essentially was the final straw for the Americans, and many claim that this was the cause for the Americans to enter the war. However what if the note had not been intercepted? What would have happened? When the United States was alerted of this news, they published it across their media and declared war on Germany. If the note had not been intercepted, would the US have stayed neutral, like they were prior to this? Most likely, no. Although the Zimmerman note was the last tangible event prior to the United States’ entrance, there were plenty of other reasons for the U.S’s change in stance. For example the sinking of the Lusitania was a main contributor for the U.S. When American civilians were killed due to unrestricted submarine warfare on a civilian liner, the United States felt very violated and they began to become closer to their entrance to the war. With or without the Zimmerman note, the chances were significantly higher for the Americans to enter the war then they were for them to remain neutral. Also, the difference in strength between the American army and what was the Mexican army was so significant, that even if the Mexicans has attempted to invade the United States, the chances of them being crushed and shut down were so high that the territories most likely would not have been returned. Also, if they had invaded it would have tampered with the newly patched relationship with the U.S and made it very awkward for future foreign relations regarding the U.S’s willingness to help or protect the Mexicans. Weather or not the Zimmerman note would have gone through, most likely the U.S would have entered the war, and the Mexicans most likely would not have invaded the U.S and therefore the end results would have been the same.

    Works Cited

    "The Zimmermann Telegram." United States History. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  15. The year of 1917 was a crucial time for the fate of Europe and, indeed, the world. World War I had terrorized Europe for three years, and the Allies were anxious to gain the United States’ allegiance. With the United States’ military help, the Allies hoped to defeat Germany and put an end to the war that had taken so many lives. Because Germany was also desperate for allies, a coded note was sent from the German foreign secretary, Alfred Zimmerman, to the German ambassador in Mexico, von Eckhardt, in January 1917 urging von Eckhardt to pursue a military alliance with Mexico. Zimmerman also wrote that “Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona” (WWI Document Archive) most likely to entice Mexico to ally with Germany so as to reclaim the land lost in the Mexican-American war. Unfortunately for the Germans, this note was intercepted and decoded by the British. The United States was also told of the Zimmerman note and began to rethink its plan of staying neutral in World War I now that there was a possibility that Mexico was going to join Germany. Three months later, in April 1917 the United States officially entered the war. If the telegram had not been intercepted by British agents, Mexico may have been drawn towards Germany’s offer of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona and decided to ally with Germany. The United States may have decided to remain neutral if the Zimmerman note had not been discovered. Both the inclusion of Mexico and the exclusion of the United States in World War I could have changed the entire modern world’s history. The Central Powers could have won World War I, and perhaps without the Treaty of Versailles, there would have been no weakened Germany for Hitler to gain power in. World War II may have never occurred. On the other hand, if Mexico had joined Germany and began fighting the United States, the United States would have had even more incentive to join World War I and the outcome of the war may have been very similar to what we know it as today.

    Works Cited
    Alexander, Mary and Marilyn Childress. "The Zimmerman Telegram." Social Education 45, 4 (April 1981): 266
    "The Zimmerman Note." The World War I Document Archive. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .
    Webber. "The U.S. Joins the War." Pacific Ridge School. Carlsbad, CA. 24 Mar. 2011. Lecture.

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  16. David Claxton
    March 30, 2011
    History, period 7
    The Zimmermann note was a telegram that was intercepted by the British Armed Forces. It was written from the German Empire to the German representative in Mexico. It was written in the year of 1917, in hopes that if the US joined the war effort in Europe that Germany would have an ally to be able to attack the United States. In return for Mexico’s corporation the German Empire would grant them with the states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. These states were lost from Mexico in the Mexican American war that ended in 1848, providing them with incentive to join the Central Powers in WWI. But this telegram was intercepted by the British and presented to President Woodrow Wilson. This was one of the main factors that got the United States into the war, who was enraged by this bold action being taken by Germany. Mexico later stated that they wouldn’t have accepted the offer, but what if it wasn’t intercepted.
    Mexico’s president Carranza formally declined Zimmermann's proposals on April 14, by which time the U.S. had declared war on Germany. In my opinion, I believe that Mexico would have declined this offer even if it had not been intercepted by the British. The Mexican president provided many viable reasons for not taking this action even if the Americans did not find this out. The first was that No matter how much money that Germany provided. Mexico could not use it to get supplies for its army, because the U.S. was the only arms manufacturer in that was close and all of Germany’s war supplies were being used on the western front. Plus the British had naval power at this time in the war so shipping was out of the question. Also Mexico was trying to generally improving relations with the US, and a war would completely destroy all the progress that they had made. Another factor was that the Mexican army was ill equipped to fight a war with the US, and was outmatched.
    Even if the British did not intercept the Zimmermann note I believe that Mexico would still have declined this offer and maintained its neutral position in the war.

    Hickman, Kennedy. "Zimmermann Telegram - World War I Zimmermann Telegram and the United States." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. 9 July 2009. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  17. In 1917 during World War I, Germany sent a coded message, known as the Zimmerman note, to Mexico in hopes of forming an alliance. The Zimmerman note was sent to Mexico, and essentially it said that if German forces were allowed to occupy Mexico, then the Germans would give Mexico some land of the Americans. Germany planed on taking land from the Americans, and as a reward for Mexico’s assistance they would award: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona back to Mexico. Unfortunately for the Germans, this message was decoded by the British and presented to the Americans. As expected, the thought of foreign influence or anything close to this enraged the Americans. The public as well as the politicians were scared and angered at the thought of a war on home soil. The thought of war at home is thought to be the main reason for declaring war on Germany.

    On the contrary, it is important to acknowledge the tension and events leading up to the interception of the note. Before the note was decoded the Germans were implementing a strategy called unrestricted submarine warfare. This policy basically condoned the act of destroying any merchant vessels in the Atlantic surrounding Britain. This policy was frustrating for the Americans as it was a nuisance to deal with this threat. This threat was highlighted and “showcased” when the Lusitania sank. The Lusitania was a cruise ship traveling from New York to London. It was carrying many civilians. A German U-boat destroyed it and over 1000 people were tragically killed. Although this did not directly send the US into war it definitely caused much tension. In addition to the sinking of the Lusitania, overall tension was increasing. The war effort was not going well for the American’s allies and people were beginning to look for US involvement and aid. Essentially, the situation before the Zimmerman note was intercepted was okay but was rapidly declining.

    The question is: what would have happened if the note was not intercepted? Although that the Zimmerman is regarded as the main reason the US got involved, I believe the United States would have still gotten involved. I believe there would have been involvement because of the situation before the Zimmerman note was sent. Because the allies were beginning to lose hope and there were instances that enraged the public (Lusitania) I think that the Americans would have gotten involved. In short, the Zimmerman note merely pushed the US over the edge. The situation before that was already bleak and delicate and the Zimmerman note was the deciding catalyst.

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  18. Meghan Bacher
    Mr. Webber
    Honors Modern World History
    31 March 2011
    The Zimmerman note was a telegram sent from the German foreign minister, Arthur Zimmerman to the German minister in Mexico, von Eckhardt. Outlined in the note was a plan to get Mexico to side with the Germans by offering them back the land that they had lost in the Mexican-American war, which was controlled now by the U.S. The British ended up deciphering the encoded telegram and shared the knowledge with America. Four months later the United States Congress formally declared war on Germany. From then on, the Zimmerman note was considered a main instigator in the decision to declare war on Germany.
    But what if the British never intercepted the telegram? I believe that America would still have entered the war although probably would have taken longer. The Zimmerman note was only one factor in the decision to not remain neutral and declare war on Germany, although it was a strong one. Other events such as the sinking of the civilian cruiser, the Lusitania, also influenced the declaration. Without the decoding of the Zimmerman note though the war would have gone on much longer. When the American swooped into the battle they helped end the relative stalemate that had occurred between Germany and the Allies and eventually led the Allies to victory.

    Works Cited
    "Our Documents - Zimmermann Telegram (1917)." Welcome to OurDocuments.gov. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .
    "The Zimmerman Telegram." Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  20. After years of fighting the British had hit a jackpot when they found a de-coding machine in one of the sunken u-boats. The British kept this machine and used it to greatly influence the outcome of the war. As the German forces started dwindle they looked for any ideas to gain more power. Finally, Arthur Zimmerman, the German Foreign Secretary, sent a coded message to the government of Mexico. In his message Zimmerman basically said, we will use unrestricted submarine warfare and we wish to have Mexico join the side of Germany, if America were to enter the war. This causes a massive uproar in both Britain and America. British quickly sent out the telegram making sure that all Americans knew about it and hoped that America would join the war. Consequently, America published the article in major newspapers, and the word of the Zimmerman note quickly spread. With the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman note, Germany definitely seemed like an enemy. Thus, America joined the war, pledging to support the allies. Had the Zimmerman note not been sent would things have been different? I believe that if it would not have been sent America would have not had a reason to join the war. America would have remained neutral and continued to supply armaments. This would have allowed Germany to continue to attack the west front, having already taken the east. Germany may not have won the war, but they could have gained serious territory that belonged to France. Not only this, but the war could have waged on for even longer and many more deaths could have been lost. Since the telegram was sent to Mexico we must inquire what would have happened to the south of the U.S. Personally, I believe that nothing would have happened since Mexico felt no desire to wage war with America, neither did they have the troops or supplies to fight. Even thought the incentive of gaining lost land was great, I do not believe it would have been enough for the Mexicans to engage in war against America.

    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  21. In the heart of World War I, Germany’s secretary of state, Arthur Zimmerman, sent a telegram to Mexico. Germany requested the possibility of becoming allies with Mexico. This was not because Mexico was a particularly strong nation or they had reason to sympathize with Germany or its allies; it was simply a strategic and geographic move. Germany claimed that Mexico could reclaim the American states of New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. However, the British intercepted the note, and were able to decipher it before any real decisions could be made or actions could be completed. Quickly, America received information about the Zimmerman note and along with the tragedy of the Lusitania; they made the decision to enter the war. Even if the Zimmerman note was never received, the Americans would have probably still got involved with the war to some degree, just probably at a later time. Mexico probably would not have accepted Germany’s offer knowing that Germany and their Austria-Hungarian allies were not capable of defeating the powerhouses of Europe and the Americas: France, Britain, and The United States. Also, Mexico was just beginning to mend their relationship with The United States. There was really no point for Mexico to join the war considering the fact they would not be able to obtain adequate weapons or supplies. Also, they couldn’t stand a chance with America on one side and Britain’s powerful navy on the other.

    "The Zimmerman Note to the German Minister to Mexico." TeachingAmericanHistory.org -- Free Seminars and Summer Institutes for Social Studies Teachers. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.

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  22. The Zimmerman Note was written in 1917 near the end of World War 1. The Zimmerman Note was a telegram sent from Germany to a German ambassador in Mexico, giving instructions on how Mexico should retake their land that was lost, and the future plans of the German army. The telegram was intercepted by the British and sent to the United States, hoping that the United States would join the war and help the British. The Zimmerman Note, along with the sinking of the Lucitania both encouraged the US to join the war. However, the Zimmerman Note and the Lucitania did not force the US into the war. Therefor, I think that the Zimmerman Note did not have a very important role in the addition of the US to the war. The war would have played out exactly the same if there were a note or not. The US, this far into the war, had no choice but to join because of their close trading partners in Europe. Mexico did not fully consider the message sent by the German ambassador. After the Mexican American war, Mexico was not in the position to anger the US, nor did they have the resources to start a new war. If the Mexicans did try and start another battle I think that the US would have easily beaten them and would move even quicker into Europe to finish this deadly war. If the Zimmerman Note had not been intercepted, I do not think that the war would have gone any differently. The Note alone did not sway the US into entering the war, but it was another reason to help.

    Telegram and the United States." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. 9 July 2009. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.

    "Trenches on the Web - Special: Latin America in World War I." World War I - Trenches on the Web. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

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  23. Bobby Wright
    Mr. Webber
    Honors World History
    31 March, 2011
    The Zimmerman Note
    The Zimmerman Note was perhaps the most important factor for America’s entrance into the world war. It was a proposal sent by the German foreign secretary, Alfred Zimmerman, to Germany’s ambassador to Mexico, that informed the Mexican government that they are going to resume unrestricted submarine warfare once again, and that they would like to create a military alliance with Mexico, with the Purpose of invading the USA. The Germans offered Mexico financial aid, and much of the territory they lost in the Mexican American war in exchange for their help. However, the British government intercepted the telegram, decoded its message and then gave the decoded message to the US’s media. The subsequent release of this note sent shockwaves of anger through American society and prompted the USA to join the war.
    Therein lies a very important question; if the note had not been intercepted, what would have happened? I believe that America would have joined the war but only much later on. The united states, which would have felt no compulsion to join the fight would have stayed on the sidelines until they truly felt that the allies were about to be defeated. Only then, when America felt that its two largest financial allies were about to collapse and be taken over by a hostile force, would they intervene. It is possible that America would have joined the war sooner if another Lusitania like event where Germany’s submarines killed American citizens, were to occur. However I also definitely do not feel that the Mexican government would have invaded the USA. At the time the Mexican government knew that they would not be able to supply their army since USA was the only arms dealer in the region, and no amount of German money could buy supplies from an opposing force. Also shipping was out of the question as well since Germany was still blockaded by Brittan. Combine this with the fact that Mexico was trying to improve its relationship with America, makes it very unlikely that they would have sided with Germany. In essence, I believe that if the Zimmerman note had not been intercepted, then Mexico would still have declined the offer and America would have joined the conflict later on.
    Works Cited
    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .
    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

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  24. The Zimmerman note was a transmission from Germany to Mexico, asking Mexico to possibly declare war on the United States. While Mexico never acted on the note, the transmission did, however, incite the United States to enter the war. The US entered into an old stalemate that the Germans had just gained momentum on. In a matter of 100 days, the US had pushed the Germans all the way into defeat. However, things may have gone very differently had the US not been provoked. It’s possible the US could have stayed complacent, not wanting to interfere in something unrelated to its wellbeing. On the other hand, it is more likely some other act would have provoked the US. Unrestricted submarine warfare, conducted by the Germans, had already incited US anger after sinking the Lusitania, and very likely would sink another prized US target. Had the Germans treaded more carefully around submarine targets and which ships they sunk, they may have avoided goading the United States longer. Yet the contents of the Zimmerman transmission convey Germany’s desire to engage in combat with the United States. So even if they could keep the United States held at bay long enough, it is very possible the Germans would soon have set their sights on US soil, as somewhere new to engage. Whether the United States would have driven Germany back home again or Germany would have overwhelmed the United States of America’s army is impossible to tell. Though the United States’ armies pushed Germany back rapidly, had Germany waited until they had finished the conquest of Europe, it may have been able to devote its full forces and had more support from Europe overall. Either way, it was inevitable that the United States would eventually engage Germany; had the US not been incited into combat, it was very likely that Germany would continue on to attack the US.

    Works Cited
    Boghardt, Thomas. "The Zimmermann Telegram: Diplomacy, Intelligence and The American Entry into World War I". (working papers)online edition.
    London Daily Telegraph, 17 October 2005. Telegraph.co.uk ound, "Telegram that brought US into Great War is Found". Article by Ben Fenton.

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  25. Michaela Fisher
    Mr. Webber
    Period 7

    In November 1916, Germany appointed a new foreign minister, Arthur Zimmermann. Zimmerman and others strongly believed that Germany’s use of unrestricted U-boat warfare would force an Allied surrender. Knowing that the unrestricted use of submarines would push the United States into the war, Zimmermann devised an insurance policy to weaken America’s involvement in Europe, or better yet, discourage it completely. Zimmermann planned to propose an alliance with Mexico and convince the president to invade the United States to reclaim territories like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Germany would aid Mexico financially and militarily for this attack. Moreover, Zimmerman wanted to use the Mexican president as a mediator to persuade Japan to attack the United States too. If this were to happen, America would be busy defending itself on the south and west so that it could not afford to send troops to Europe. Zimmermann sent this proposal to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt, as a telegram on 16 January 1917. The telegram was intercepted, and British cryptographers deciphered the message. This message became a huge factor in America’s decision to join the war. At the beginning of 1917, Wilson had said it would be a “crime against civilization” to lead his nation to war, but by April, he had changed his mind, and America joined the war.

    If the Zimmermann Note was not intercepted, I believe the US still would have joined the war. As Barbara Tuchman describes in The Zimmermann Telegram, “inevitably the Germans would have done something else that would have brought us in eventually.” The sinking of the Lusitania had already occurred, and the only reason the US did not involve itself in the war then was that the Germans promised to surface their U-boats before attacking. If Zimmermann were to go back on this promise and use unrestricted U-boat warfare, the US would have entered the war without the Zimmermann note. The Zimmerman note did not completely alter the course of history, it just speeded the start of the United States’ inevitable involvement in the war.

    Alexander, Mary and Marilyn Childress. "The Zimmerman Telegram." Social Education 45, 4 (April 1981): 266

    Singh, Simon. The Code Book. New York: Anchor Books, 2000. kakopa.com. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

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  26. Jake Smith

    Webber, Period 6

    World History

    March 31, 2011

    The Zimmermann Note


    "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.

    The Zimmermann note was sent by Germany to Mexico, with an intention of creating a truce to theoretically win the war. This note (as seen above) was fortunately intercepted by the British before it reached Mexico; it was decoded and sent to the United States. At this moment America immediately became very involved in the World War and tore apart Germany. This incident is arguably the

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  27. main reason for America joining in World War One, for without the Zimmermann note there seemed to be no threat to the United States, save one. The Lusitania, a cruise ship carrying passengers, as well as weapons being brought to Britain. Sailing through European water, The Lusitania was shot by a German submarine and sunk, drowning the majority of the passengers, including many Americans. In addition this outraged the United States, but not to the point of all out war, instead they increased their manufacture and trade of weapons to Britain and France. America was already involved in the war at this point, but simply working as the man or woman behind the curtain. The Zimmermann note was the final weight that broke the camels back, with a full-fledged threat to the United States there was no backing down and there started the United States’ major involvement in the War.

    The Zimmermann note is arguably the reason for the United States’ involvement in the war, but America would have been involved with or without it. America was on the verge of a breakdown and the Zimmermann note was the first action that was noticed and therefore emphasized. Even without the Zimmermann note America would have found a way to ride in on the High Horse and save the day, they just needed an excuse, which in this case was the Zimmermann note. Although if the Zimmermann note had not been intercepted there is always a potential possibility that America could have been defeated or weakened. So there were many possible outcomes but only one that came and so therefore the Zimmermann note started America’s involvement in World War One.

    Works Cited
    "The Zimmermann Telegram 1917 - Woodrow Wilson." Faith vs Reason Debate Wisdom Spiritual Insights Quotations Quotes Aldous Huxley Perennial Philosophy. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .
    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  28. Brian Haist
    Mr. Webber
    Honors Modern World History
    1 April 2011

    By 1917, Germany had lost many troops and needed more soldiers to fight in their army. This was mostly because Germany was fighting an uphill battle against a large group of countries referred to as the Allies. All of the countries involved in the war so far had lost thousands of troops since the start of the war. With the fear of another country entering the war, the German Foreign Minister Zimmermann had planned for the worst: if the United States was to declare war upon Germany, Germany would need an alliance to help hinder America’s forces. Because of this, Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico. However, if the United States did not declare war on Germany, Germany wished to keep a neutral relationship with the United States because of the strong trade that the two countries shared. Another reason Germany wanted to keep a good bond with America was probably because the United States was a powerful force that could cripple the German army even more. Although the relationship between the two countries was neutral, it was not unreasonable to think that the United States might enter the war. This is why Zimmermann wrote the note: Germany needed a back-up plan.
    British troops intercepted and decoded the message that was being sent to the German Ambassador of Mexico and then forwarded it to the United States of America. This destroyed the diplomatic bond between the United States and Germany because Germany said that it would continue its U-Boat warfare. Several supply boats that the United States sent to Europe had already been destroyed. When the message was relayed, it was met with a clear response: the United States would declare war upon Germany.
    Had this message not been sent, the United States would have most likely not entered the war. The reason why is because of the constant trade between the two countries; when the message was relayed, the diplomatic and trading relationships between the two countries had to be ended. This was something that America did not want to stop, but it was necessary to put Germany in its place.

    Works Cited

    Duffy, Michael. "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. First World War, 22 Aug. 2009. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.

    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History. About.com. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.

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  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  30. During the first month of 1917, an encoded message sent by Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman of Germany to the German minister in Mexico was intercepted by British code-breakers. This note was a request for an alliance between Mexico and Germany, should the United States enter the war. Germany knew that because of the vast distance between it and the United States, it would have a hard time dealing with the U.S. should they join the allies. The Germans promised the states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to Mexico for their support. This was land that had been lost during the Mexican-American war, and the Germans had hoped to play upon feelings of revenge in Mexico. The Zimmerman note also contained the key information that Germany would be engaging in “unrestricted submarine warfare” a scary thought for the people of America. After the British decoded the note, it was released in the American newspapers on March 1st. Only about a month later on April 6th, the United States declared war on Germany and its allies. What would have happened had the British not intercepted the telegram? Many speculate that the Zimmerman note was the last straw needed to push the United States into the war. The American people had been on edge ever since events such as the sinking of the Lusitania, and this only angered them further. Had the United States not entered the war, Germany may have been able to take all of Europe. Having defeated the Russians to the east, Germany turned its full attention to the battered troops of Britain and France in the west. However, even with all of Europe taken, Germany would have still had to deal with the threat of the United States. If a simple telegram forced the U.S. into the war, the conquering of all of Europe by Germany surely would. Once Germany was in open conflict with the U.S. I feel that Mexico still would have not entered the war, as they had just fought so hard and lost so much in the Mexican-American war. Without the Zimmerman note, the United States would have not entered the war soon enough to save Britain, and the world we know today would be very different.
    Works Cited
    Horne, Charles F. "The Zimmermann Telegram." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. .

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  31. When the German Foreign Secretary Alfred Zimmerman realized the war was turning in the Allies favor, he sent a coded telegram to the German-Ambassador asking for Mexico do consider declaring war on America and allying itself with Germany, and perhaps even Japan. This coded telegram was intercepted and decoded by British agents, who delivered the message to popular American newspapers and caused widespread public outrage and anger towards the Germans. But what would have happened if the British hadn’t intercepted the telegram?
    Even if the message hadn’t been intercepted, Mexico wouldn’t have gone along with Zimmerman and allied with the Germans. When the telegram was received by the Mexican president, he asked one of his top generals to find out if the takeover of America was feasibly possible with Mexico’s limited resources and military power. The general found that a takeover of the West Coast of America would be strategically impossible. Firstly, at the time of the note, Mexico had neither the military strength nor the equipment to engage in a large-scale war with the United States. The General also knew that the superior British Royal Navy would blockade Mexico, leaving it unable to receive military or financial support. At the time of the Zimmerman note, Mexico was actually going through a civil war, and its troops were more focused on quelling the uprising and less on trying to take over their stronger neighboring country for little reason other than to please a possible ally. Another reason that Mexico wouldn’t comply with Zimmerman’s request is that it had been trying to repair its fragile relations with America.
    Although some scholars believe that had the Zimmerman note not been intercepted, there could have been war between the United States and Mexico, it was much more likely that nothing would have come of the note, as Mexico was not ready for another war in a political, economic or military sense.

    Source:
    Katz, Friedrich. The Secret War in Mexico: Europe, the United States, and the Mexican Revolution. (1981)

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  32. Niraj Madhani
    The Zimmerman Note

    The Zimmerman note, a telegraph from the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German ambassador in Mexico, von Eckhardt, proposed an invasion of the United States of America. This note, along with the sinking of the Lusitania, due to the German’s unrestricted warfare, pushed the U.S.A to join the First World War.
    The note itself proposed an alliance between Mexico and Germany against the United States, in which Germany would send troops to Mexico and then invade the U.S. Germany also promised that if they defeated the U.S, Mexico would gain some of its formerly lost territory. Mexico actually considered this plan, but soon Mexico’s military deemed this plan impractical because Mexico was simply not strong enough. Yet Mexico denied having a connection to the telegraph in fear of harming its relationship with the U.S. Furthermore, another factor influenced Mexico’s decision to deny Germany’s offer: the fact the British intercepted the note.
    The British were able to intercept the Zimmerman telegraph, which was then published throughout American newspapers. The British were quick to give this information to the Americans because they desired the U.S to join the war and help defeat Germany. Thus, the Zimmerman telegraph further enraged the public in America, who were already furious about Germany’s unrestricted warfare, which resulted in the Lusitania’s sinking. American, already a big weapon supplier to the Allies, decided to join the war against Germany in 1917. This was terrific news to the Allies who deeply needed America to finally end the war.
    However, if the Zimmerman note had not been intercepted, I believe that eventually the U.S would still have entered the war. First of all, the U.S played a large part in the war (before it actually declared war on Germany) considering it was providing weapons for the Allies. This angered Germany, and thus, along with other reasons, Germany implemented unrestricted submarine warfare tactics, which angered the Americans. Furthermore, the British strongly desired the U.S to enter the war, which led them to strategically leave the Lusitania unprotected. Thus, if the Zimmerman note was not intercepted, the British would find other ways to urge America into the war. During that time, tension was already building in America against the Germans, and the Zimmerman note was simply another reason for the U.S to enter the war, and happened to be the last reason before the fresh and strong Americans advanced to the front line.


    Works Cited
    Duffy, Michael. "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. 22 Aug. 2009. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

    Hickman, Kennedy. "Zimmermann Telegram - World War I Zimmermann Telegram and the United States." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." The Zimmerman Telegram. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

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  33. Dillon Lerach
    Mr. Christopher Webber
    Honors Modern World History
    31 March 2011
    In 1916 the American public elected President Woodrow Wilson to his second term because as repeatedly stated in a popular re-election slogan, “He kept us out of the war” (Alexander and Childress). Nevertheless, on April 6, 1917, after asking Congress to arm American ships so that they could fend off potential German submarine attacks, President Wilson, with Congress’ formal authorization, declared war on Germany and its allies, entering WWI. Many historians believe the Zimmermann Telegram was instrumental to this turnabout, however, Germany’s announcement that it would begin unrestricted submarine warfare “sinking on sight all merchant ships around the British Isles or in the Mediterranean” (Spodek) coupled with the torpedoing of the Lusitania earlier in 1915 resulting in 118 American deaths, was more determinative.
    In January 1917, British cryptographers decoded a telegram from Arthur Zimmermann, Germany’s Foreign Minister. Addressed to the German Minister to Mexico, Heinrich von Eckhardt, it instructed the ambassador to approach the Mexican government with a proposal to form an alliance against the U.S. Specifically, it offered Mexico the return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in return for supporting Germany in a potential war upon the United States (Spodek). According to David Kahn, author of Codebreakers, “No other single cryptanalysis has had such enormous consequences” (Alexander and Childress). Many historians agree that

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  34. Zimmermann’s message helped draw the United States into the war and changed the course of history (Boghardt).
    The Zimmermann Note inflamed American public opinion that was largely anti-Germany already, following the loss of over 128 U.S. lives to German U-Boat attacks (Boghardt). The law of the sea allowed cargo shipments not related to military equipment and supplies to flow to warring nations. Both Britain and France violated this directive. Britain, with a more powerful navy, stopped all ships bound for Germany and confiscated the cargo (Spodek). Germany directly attacked ships headed for England and France (Spodek). When its targets extended to U.S. merchant ships supplying weapons and food to Britain during the war, the U.S. severed diplomatic relations and threatened military action. Germany’s announcement that it intended to begin unrestricted submarine warfare all but guaranteed the U.S. entry into the war. Important to the U.S. economy, the U.S. would not have stopped overseas shipments to Britain. Since August 1914, American manufacturers had supplied the Allies with large quantities of goods that included arms and explosives (Boghardt).
    Moreover, even if the telegram had not been intercepted, Mexico was not willing to enter into the proposed alliance. A General assigned by Mexico’s president to assess the realities of a Mexican takeover of their former provinces came to the conclusion that taking over the three states would cause future problems and war with the U.S. that Germany could not adequately supply the arms needed for Mexico to win (“Zimmermann Telegram”). Mexico declined Zimmerman’s proposals on April 14, after the US had declared war on Germany (“Zimmermann Telegram”).
    Germany’s true intentions vis-à-vis the telegram are similarly suspect. Even after the American declaration of war in April 1917, Germany did little to support Mexico financially or

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  35. militarily (Boghardt). In August 1918, the Foreign Office concluded that an armed conflict between Mexico and the U.S. was not in Germany’s interest and should be abandoned (Boghardt).
    Finally, an analysis of press reports in March 1917 suggests that Americans beyond Washington, D.C. were much less upset by the Zimmermann telegram than typically assumed (Borhardt). The San Francisco Chronicle, for example, argued that the Zimmermann telegram was “proof of Germany’s desperation and should not be taken seriously” (Boghardt). While the telegram reinforced anti-German sentiment where it already existed, it did not sway editorial opinion in any significant way (Borghardt). When Congress considered President Wilson’s war message, the Zimmermann telegram was not discussed in editorials or on the front page of newspapers (Boghardt). Moreover, it failed to bring the Armed Ships bill through the Senate (Borghardt). “As compared to the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 or the recurrent stories about German atrocities in Belgium, American newspapers viewed the Zimmermann telegram as a minor, almost comical German misdeed” (Borhardt) “Unlike the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the Zimmermann telegram failed to become the lasting symbol of a just war against an evil and aggressive foreign power” (Boghardt).

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  36. Works Cited
    Alexander, Mary and Marilyn Childress. “The Zimmermann Telegram.” Social Education 45, 4 (April 1981): 266.
    Boghardt, Thomas. “The Zimmermann Telegram: Diplomacy, Intelligence, and the American Entry into World War I.” Working Paper Series 6, 4 (November 2003): 1-35.
    Spodek, Howard. The World’s History. Upper Saddle River: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2006.
    "Zimmermann Telegram." WRS Latin American and the 20th Century / FrontPage. Web. 01,Apr. 2011

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  37. During World War I, The British had shut down German bases in foreign countries and slashed their transcontinental cables. They had also obtained German codebooks, allowing andy intercepted telegrams to be deciphered. However, Woodrow Wilson, foreseeing the benefits of keeping open communication with Germany, allowed German diplomats to continue using American telegraph lines. Believing that the American line would not be intercepted, German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to the German ambassador in the United states who would then redirect the message to the German ambassador in Mexico. This message told Heinrich von Eckardt that Germany would begin unrestricted warfare, yet the intent was to keep the United States neutral. If however, America had entered the war against Germany, von Eckardt was ordered to convince the Mexican president to retake American territory, ally with Germany, and involve Japan in the anti-American affairs. Before this message was delivered to von Eckardt it was intercepted by a room of British codebreakers. The British presented the note in such a way that infuriated the United States to the point of declaring war on Germany, ensuring a long-awaited alliance with Britain. The emergence of the United States in WWI as an allied power was definitely an essential event, especially since Woodrow Wilson’s main goal was to end the war as soon as possible. If the note had not been intercepted, WWI could have played out two ways: either the United States would enter the war later, or the United States would have remained a neutral country. I believe that the first option is the more appropriate scenario because of the Lusitania, a British ship carrying many American passengers that was sunk by German U-boats. This enraged Americans so much that it may have been a reason to fight against Germany all by itself. After the note was intercepted, the Mexican government investigated as to whether the demands of the Zimmerman note would have been feasible. The conclusion was that it’s plans would not have carried out as planned, nor would it be as beneficial to Mexico as Germany believed. Mexico did not want to risk its improving relations with the United States in an attempt to retake southern territory. It was too risky since America was big in territory and populus. Germany’s financial promises would not be of use since Mexico could not obtain any weapons since the United States was the main producer of arms. If the Zimmerman note had not been intercepted, the outcome of WWI would be similar to the actual outcome of WWI with a possible delay as the sinking of the Lusitania, the event which would have potentially pushed the United States into war, a month later than the day that the American congress approve Woodrow Wilson’s declaration of war.

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  38. Works Cited
    "America and World War One." History Learning Site. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.
    Dwyer, John J. "The United States and World War I." LewRockwell.com. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.
    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 31 Mar. 2011.

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  39. On January 19, 1917, Germany’s foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmermann, sent a coded telegram to the German ambassador in Mexico. The note was then intercepted, decoded and sent to the US government by British intelligence. It is commonly argued that this incident was a direct cause of World War I because it contained strongly anti-US proposals. In the note, Germany promised Mexico US territory if they agreed to an alliance. The territory included Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Due to public outrage, American engaged in the war soon after. Although it is true that the Zimmerman note did provoke the general public in America, forcing the government to act on the peoples’ outrage, I believe the U.S. would have joined the war regardless. The note states that Germany would begin unrestricted submarine warfare. However, the sinking of the Lucitania had already occurred, with the use of German U-boats. American civilians were killed in that event, causing public upheaval. Clearly, the US government was already aware that Germany was using submarine warfare to kill Americans, in particular, American civilians. The U.S. government was already on the brink of declaring war on Germany, and while the Zimmerman note may have pushed them to act at once, it was only a matter of time.

    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

    "Zimmermann Telegram." Wikipedia. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  40. As trench warfare grew increasingly stale, and the British naval blockade became a problem for Germany’s supply trains, German military command, frustrated, wished to break their promise to limit submarine warfare. According to many scholars, including David Kahn, this was the most important turning point of World War I. The sinking of the Lusitania had already soured German-American relations, and the Zimmerman Telegram severed all ties between the United States and Germany. In January of 1917, British cryptographers intercepted and decoded a telegram from Arthur Zimmerman, Germany’s foreign minister, to the German embassy in Mexico. In the telegram, Zimmerman outlines Germany’s intention to begin unrestricted U-boat warfare beginning in February. He also requests that in the case of America losing its neutrality, Germany will support Mexico both militarily and financially if Mexico declares war on America: “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.” As one could imagine, the interception of this note proved disastrous for relations between Germany and America. The British held the note and showed it to America on 24 February. There was an inflation of anti-German sentiment in the country and the United Sates officially declared war on Germany and its allies on 6 April, 1917; the sleeping giant had awakened.
    The entry of the United States into WWI was a direct result of Zimmerman Telegram. Had it not been intercepted, America would undoubtedly have stayed out of the war unless Mexico actually did accept the alliance. Before this telegram, the war had seemed very far away, and in truth, it was. It was fought mainly on French soil, and to Americans, it was a distant problem for other countries to cope with. This all changed when the war was brought to North America; when the Germans tried to set up an early foothold in Mexico. To Americans, it was an issue of Nationalism. They felt threatened by Germany’s advances, and decided to take the initiative and declare war. Without this telegram, Americans would have lived on without knowing about the threat from Mexico. Without this telegram, America would have maintained its isolationist policies, continuing to supply the Allies with weapons, but never would have entered the war.
    Works Cited
    Alexander, Mary and Marilyn Childress. "The Zimmerman Telegram." Social Education 45, 4 (April 1981): 266
    Biesinger, Joseph A. "Zimmermann Telegram." Germany: A Reference Guide from the Renaissance to the Present, European Nations. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. (accessed April 1, 2011).

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  42. The Zimmermann note was an infamous telegram sent from the German government to the ambassador in Mexico. Its basic premise stated that Germany would resume its unrestricted submarine warfare and it requested that, should the United States join the war on the side of Britain and France, Mexico should wage war on the United States in turn. This way, Germany hoped to tie down the United States in terms of resources and men. However, the note was intercepted, causing outrage in the public, and becoming one of the reasons that the United States joined World War I. However, had this note not been intercepted and read by Allied forces, would the sleeping giant have awoken?
    The population of the United States is primarily composed of immigrants, and each racial or cultural group had an opinion on the matter. Citizens of German descent obviously sympathized with Germany, while Irish-Americans were strongly anti-British. Most of the country though, sided with the Italians, British, and French. Despite these divisions, the citizenry and the government, headed by Woodrow Wilson, desired to stay neutral in the entire affair. This isolationist ideal became harder and harder to uphold as the conflict grew deeper. Even without the note, the United States’ government still gave aid to the Allies.
    If the note had never been intercepted, I do not think the results would have changed very much. The only result that might change is death toll. I believe the United States still had enough will to join the war, and was really only seeking an excuse. They had ordered Germany to stop unrestricted submarine warfare, but with or without the note the Germans would have resumed their hostile actions on February 1 of 1917. The note was used as an excuse to take action around the world, and brought about the beginning of the end.
    Works Cited
    "The Zimmerman Note - World War I Document Archive." Main Page - World War I Document Archive. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .
    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

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  43. Rochelle Dong
    The Zimmermann Note

    During World War I in 1917, Germany’s foreign ambassador, Arthur Zimmermann, would send a note that would change the world’s history forever: the infamous Zimmermann Note. The note, meant for Mexico, was intercepted by British intelligence agents, who, upon seeing the note, sent it to America. The note was a proposal for Mexico to ally with Germany, but it also stated that Germany would also soon begin submarine warfare again. The U.S. government was outraged upon seeing the note and soon after, declared war on Germany and joined the Allies in World War I.
    However, if Britain had never intercepted the note, America would still have joined the war, but rather later than sooner. America had already suffered the loss the Lusitania, and the Zimmermann was the final straw. It outraged the American people and enticed them to join World War I sooner. America also had more benefits of joining the Allies, as Britain and America were great trading partners. America would not have wanted to lose the economical ties to Britain if Britain lost the war.
    Mexico would also have declined the offer to ally with Germany for a number of reasons. Mexico didn’t have the power or enough arms to take on the US; Mexico was also becoming friendlier with the US and didn’t want to ruin the good relations they had. Thus, in the end, the note only further outraged Americans, and prompted them to join the war earlier, rather than later.

    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History – The History of Europe. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

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  44. Casey Tirshfield
    Mr. Webber
    Period #4
    1 April 2011
    America had every intention of staying neutral in the first World War, especially considering that their own Civil War had just recently ended. However, due to pressure from its citizens and the their press, as well as various threats imposed on it, the United States entered the war in 1917. One of the primary incidents that initiated US involvement was the German U-boats’ sinking of the “The Lusitania,” a British ship with 128 American passengers aboard. The second primary incident was the interception of the Zimmerman note. The Zimmerman note was a letter sent by Germany to Mexico asking for their alliance in attacking the USA. It stipulated that upon a successful outcome, Germany would see to it that Mexico would regain all of the land taken from them with the exception of what is modern day California that would be delegated to Germany itself. Upon the interception of this message and proceeded to decode it. Instead of sending it directly to the United States, Brittan decided to release it to the press. What this maneuver did was cause the American citizens to put pressure on the United States government out of concern for their own safety, wellbeing, and lastly out of nationalism.
    It is my conviction that had the Zimmerman note not been intercepted the outcome would have remained the same, in that the United States would have inevitably entered in this conflict. As I stated before, the Lusitania, a product of Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, enraged American citizens, and was manipulated by the press to pressure the United States government to take action. Also, it is my assumption that the Mexican governmental officials would have seen to many possibilities for a backfire in the plan, and either declines Germany’s request and/or relayed the message to their the United States in order to maintain their increasingly good relations.

    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

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  45. Tony Ibrahim
    Professor Christopher Webber
    History, Period 4
    30 March 2011

    The Zimmerman Note

    Arthur Zimmerman, the German Foreign Minister, had an insight that defeat was in Germany’s future, so he wrote the infamous “Zimmerman Note” to the German Ambassador in Mexico. The original full text copy of this note is below.

    Berlin, January 19, 1917:

    "On the first of February we intend to begin submarine warfare unrestricted. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor 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.

    Zimmerman"

    Arthur Zimmerman’s intentions were simple, to bring Mexico in the war which would distract the United States of America from sending troops into Germany. As history prevails, we now know that this note failed and was one of the two leading factors which caused President Woodrow Wilson to declare war on Germany. The question we are faced with is “What would Mexico have done had if the British government did not intercept the message and relay it to the United States of America?” Well, this answer is simple as well, of course not!

    The Zimmerman note was sent on January 19th of 1917. By this time, Germany had already started unrestricted submarine warfare and was scrambling for their last resources to fight of the Allied Forces. Germany was closing in on itself and the Allied Forces kept the heat coming; for example, the superior British Royal Navy set up a blockade off Germany’s coast, which stopped most trade and cut off supplies to Germany’s citizens as well as military.

    Mexico was in no position whatsoever to declare war on the United States of America or even think to do so by siding with the crumbling Germany. One, the Germans was already digging a grave for them and Mexico did not want to be at the funeral. And two, the Mexicans lost in the Mexican-American war in a time period of two years and lost “nearly half of its territory” by the end of the war (PBS).

    Lastly, the Mexicans already made a peace treaty with the United States of America and agreed on the settlement that California, New Mexico, and Texas would be U.S. property after 15 million dollars was paid to Mexico. Mexico as a country was in no shape or position to declare war on the United States and was simply going to be used as a puppet for the Germans to distract the Americans while Germany’s high hopes for taking over the world would continue.

    Whether Arthur Zimmerman had his not intercepted or not, the outcome would have been arguably the same. Even though the U.S. would not have received the note, President Woodrow Wilson was under pressure by many Americans as well as former President Theodore Roosevelt’s belied that Germany’s actions were full of “piracy” and corruption.

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  46. Works Cited

    Wilde, Robert. "The Zimmermann Telegram - A Profile of the Zimmermann Note." European History The History of Europe. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

    "First World War.com - Primary Documents - Zimmermann Telegram, 19 January 1917." First World War.com - A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

    "The U.S.-Mexican War . War (1846-1848) | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.

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  47. Some people argue that if this note was not intercepted that the United States may not have joined in the war. This would have led to a much different Europe than what we currently know of today. However I believe that this would not have been the case. The people of the United States were already angered when the Germans sunk the Lusitania. Germany had made one error in doing so and now all that America needed in order to join the war was another threat made by Germany. If the Zimmermann note had not been sent I believe that Germany would have done a different action to stir the United States into action. It may not have been as sudden as the Zimmermann note but the Untied States would have entered the war at some point with or without the note. With America still joining the war I believe that Europe would not be drastically different form where it is in the modern day.

    Works Cited
    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

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  48. Issac Ahn commented:
    The Zimmerman Telegram from Germany to Mexico during World War I had an important impact on changing the American public’s opinion on their country’s proposed entry into the war. While the U.S. populace had before been supportive of an isolationist policy, the Zimmerman Telegram allowed the United States to gain enough public support to declare war on Germany. The telegram proposed to Mexico that if the U.S. entered WWI against Germany after its resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, that Germany and Mexico form an alliance against the U.S. Incentives for Mexico included the return of its former territories in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona, along with financial aid from Germany. It concluded with the suggestion that Germany’s submarine warfare would soon cause Britain to call for peace. However, the Telegram was intercepted by British code breakers and sent to the U.S. Germany’s promise of unrestricted submarine warfare along with its plans to make war on the United States prompted the US’ public and government to declare war on Germany.
    If Britain did not intercept the Telegram, it is probable that the United States would have still entered the war on the side of the Allies, and Mexico would have not declared war on Germany. First off, Mexico knew it could not form an effective alliance with Germany because of the distances between the two countries. Any resources from the already war-torn Germany had a long way to travel to Mexico and were at great risk of being stopped by British naval blockades. Mexico would have needed Germany’s assistance if it were to effectively wage war against the U.S. Also, Mexico knew it would be taking a very large risk in assuming that Germany success against Britain, specifically with Germany’s claim that it would force Britain to make peace. Overall, because of the enormous risk involved with allying with Germany, Mexico would have remained neutral, even if the Zimmerman Telegram was not intercepted. For the United States, Germany’s return to unrestricted submarine warfare would have still fueled anti-German sentiments in the country, even if the Zimmerman Telegram was not decoded. Although it would not have given the U.S. public the sudden shock as did the Zimmerman Telegram, Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare would have fueled the anti-German sentiments in the U.S., and eventually allowed the United States to enter the war.
    Works Cited
    "First World War.com - Feature Articles - The Zimmermann Telegram." First World War.com – A Multimedia History of World War One. Web. 01 Apr. 2011.\ .
    "The Zimmermann Telegram." National Archives and Records Administration. Web. 01 Apr. 2011. .

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  49. On January of 1917, the British intercepted a coded telegram from the Germans to the Mexicans encouraging Mexico to join in the war against America, to allow German soldiers on to Mexican soil to attack the US , and to ask Japan to also join in the war. Because this telegram was intercepted, America join in the war. What would have happened if the British had not intercepted the telegram? Mexico probably would not have entered the war because at the time the telegram was sent Mexico was just coming out of a bitter civil war, Carrana had as yet to consolidate his power, there was no constitution, the country was in chaos. The German couldn’t provide any real support with the Royal Navy blocking the sea the Germans would not have a fast way to transport goods to Mexico to aid them,. Mexico did not have the means and weapons to fight America.
    Another thing to look at is the fact that after America joins in WWI, Mexico did not. If Mexico had any desire to enter the war they would have done so after America was already engaged in war. Also, with the American soldiers in Europe, America became week at home, a perfect target for Mexico. If they wanted to engage in war, the Mexicans would have taken this easy opportunity. This proves no interest in war

    http://www.sciforums.com/The-Zimmerman-Telegraph-t-35838.html
    http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/zimmermann.htm

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