Question

In January of 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt, offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German cause. This message helped draw the United States into the war and thus changed the course of history. The telegram had such an impact on American opinion that, according to David Kahn, author of The Codebreakers, 'No other single cryptanalysis has had such enormous consequences.' Excerpt from 'The Zimmermann Telegram' by Mary Alexander and Marilyn Childress from Social Education, April 1981. Used by permission of National Council for the Social Studies. Based on the excerpt, what was the role of the Zimmermann telegram in World War I?"

A. It led to the establishment of an alliance between Germany and the United States.

B. It played a crucial role in ending World War I.

C. It contributed to the entry of the United States into World War I.

D. It facilitated diplomatic negotiations between Germany and Mexico.

Answer 1

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret message from Germany proposing an alliance with Mexico if the U.S. entered WWI. Its interception and subsequent revelation to the U.S. public contributed significantly to the United States entering the war on the side of the Allied Powers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Zimmermann Telegram played a fundamental role in World War I by influencing the United States to enter the conflict. This secret message was sent in January 1917 by Arthur Zimmermann, the German Foreign Minister, to the German Ambassador in Mexico. This telegram proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico in the event of the United States entering the war against Germany. In return, Germany promised to support Mexico in recovering the territories of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona that it had lost during the Mexican-American War.

The British cryptographers deciphered the telegram and its revelation turned American opinion against Germany. The prospect of potential hostilities on their border and the brazen proposal of ceding U.S. territory added to the already strained relations due to Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. Ultimately, the Zimmermann Telegram significantly contributed to the decision by the United States to declare war on Germany and join the Allied Powers in