Final answer:
The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret message sent by Germany to Mexico, offering military support to help Mexico recover territories lost to the U.S. in exchange for declaring war against the United States. Intercepted by British intelligence, its revelation contributed to the U.S. entering World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zimmermann Telegram
In an effort to sway Mexico into an alliance during World War I, Germany sent the Zimmermann Telegram to Mexico. Authored by the German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann, the telegram was an offer of military support to help Mexico reconquer territories lost to the United States, specifically Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, if Mexico would declare war on the U.S. The British intelligence intercepted this communication in January 1917, escalating tensions and influencing the United States' decision to enter the war. This proposal was based on the strategic calculation that a war between Mexico and the United States would delay US military involvement in Europe, assisting German efforts on the Western Front.
Despite the temptation of regaining lost lands, Mexico did not take Germany's offer seriously. The revelation of the Zimmerman Telegram had a significant impact, causing outrage in the United States and contributing to the sentiment that the nation was honor-bound to respond with military force. The U.S. public learned of the telegram's content on March 1, 1917, adding fuel to the already enraged sentiment towards Germany following their announcement of unrestricted submarine warfare and the sinking of several US ships.
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