In January 1917, German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann gambled the future of World War I on a single secret message. Germany was about to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, a move they knew would likely draw the neutral United States into the conflict. To distract the Americans, Zimmermann crafted a daring proposal for an alliance with Mexico. His plan was to bog the U.S. down with a war on its own border. In a breathtaking act of audacity, he sent his explosive message using the U.S. State Department’s own diplomatic cable, a courtesy President Wilson had extended to foster peace talks. Germany was using America's trust to plot against it. But could such a volatile secret really be kept?
The Zimmermann Telegram
How a secret 1917 German offer to Mexico, promising the return of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, was intercepted by British codebreakers and helped bring the United States into World War I.
Chapter 1
The Gamble
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Zimmermann Telegram propose?
It proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico if the United States entered World War I. Germany promised financial support and help for Mexico to reconquer its 'lost territory' in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The telegram also suggested that Mexico should invite Japan to join this new alliance.
How did the United States find out about the telegram?
British intelligence intercepted and decoded the secret message in January 1917. To protect their codebreaking secrets, they devised a cover story, obtaining a second copy in Mexico and claiming it was stolen there. The British then presented this copy to American officials in February 1917.
Was the Zimmermann Telegram real?
Yes. Although many Americans initially believed it was a British forgery, German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann himself publicly admitted it was genuine on March 3, 1917. He stated at a press conference, 'I cannot deny it. It is true,' ending all speculation and cementing American resolve to enter the war.
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