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Zimmermann Telegram: Main Idea

    Zimmermann Telegram: Main Idea

      Mexico, Please Attack the U.S.—Love, Germany

      Zimmermann (of the Zimmermann Telegram; yeah, that guy) is writing to Mexico to inform them that Germany's planning to start shooting at literally everything in the oceans. Ships, whales, whatever—it's all fair game now. Germany realizes that this might escalate the war to levels it can't control, or more importantly, can't win.

      Specifically, they're worried about what the U.S. might do, but they have a plan for that.

      Zimmermann tells Mexico that it should attack the U.S. and invite Japan along, too, for a kind of military double date. That way, the U.S. will get bogged down fighting Mexico, freeing up Germany to do whatever it wants on the seas without worrying about the consequences.

      Questions

      1. Why is it important for Germany to keep the U.S. neutral?
      2. What historic events made Mexico the target of Zimmermann's plot and not some other country?
      3. Why might it have been important for this plot to be kept secret?

      Chew On This

      Mexico would have been insane to take on the risk of attacking the U.S., even with Germany's help.

      Mexico should have accepted Zimmermann's proposal (and Germany's money) to take back the land that was unfairly stolen by the Americans during the Mexican-American War. It was probably their last chance.

      Quotes

      Quote #1

      We intend to begin on the 1st of February unrestricted submarine warfare. (1)

      This is a nice way of telling countries not to be surprised if their boat sinks next month. Germany's going to sink everybody's boats, military or not.

      Quote #2

      We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. (2)

      Germany wants a war, but they don't want to go too crazy. They can have a perfectly nice fight without involving the Americans, who tend to win all the wars they're in.

      Quote #3

      In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of 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. (3-4)

      This is the diabolical plot at the heart of the Zimmermann Telegram. To fully capture the mood one should be stroking a white cat and twisting his or her curly mustache while reading these lines.

      Quote #4

      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. (5)

      Invading the United States should be a fun group activity, like mini-golf. It's just more fun if you invite some friends along. Have you met Japan? They hate America too. You guys have so much in common. You should totally call them.

      Quote #5

      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. (6)

      Not only does Germany insist that England's days are numbered, but they double-down by describing themselves as "ruthless." Germany is nothing if not confident. Thus, World Wars One and Two.