Final answer:
The United States did learn about the Zimmerman Telegram around the same time as the events mentioned, which is true. This was a secret communique from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S., leading to significant outrage and ultimately contributing to the U.S. entering World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the United States learned about the Zimmerman Telegram, a secret message sent to Mexico from Germany to persuade them to form an alliance against the United States around the same time, is true. The Zimmerman Telegram was a communication intercepted by British intelligence in January 1917. Sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico, the telegram proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico in the event that the United States entered World War I against Germany.
The telegram promised Mexico support in recovering lost territories such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This provocative offer aimed to distract the United States and prevent it from sending troops to Europe to aid the Allies.
When the contents of the telegram became public, it caused outrage in the American population and was one of the factors that led to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson asking Congress to declare war on Germany, which it did on April 6, 1917. This serious diplomatic blunder by Germany greatly contributed to the United States' decision to join World War I on the side of the Allies