The Zimmerman Telegram, 1917
FROM 2nd from London # 5747.
“We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal or 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. 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. 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.” Signed, ZIMMERMANN.
Use the telegram to answer the question.
How does this telegram refute arguments for American neutrality during World War I?
A.
It makes clear that the war is not just a distant event without threat or effect for the United States.
B.
It suggests that conflict among immigrant groups will break out regardless of U.S. involvement in the war.
C.
It demonstrates that several policies have already committed acts of war against American lives and property.
A. The Zimmerman Telegram refutes arguments for American neutrality during World War I by making it clear that the war is not just a distant event without threat or effect for the United States. The telegram reveals a German plan to engage in unrestricted submarine warfare and solicit Mexico into an alliance against the United States. This would potentially lead to further loss of American lives and territory, thus undermining any argument for neutrality.
A. It makes clear that the war is not just a distant event without threat or effect for the United States.
The correct answer to the question is A. It makes clear that the war is not just a distant event without threat or effect for the United States.
To arrive at this answer, we can analyze the content of the Zimmerman Telegram. The telegram states that Germany intends to begin unrestricted submarine warfare, which is a form of naval warfare that targets civilian vessels, including passenger ships, without warning. By doing so, Germany hopes to compel England to make peace.
The telegram also proposes an alliance with Mexico, offering financial support and the promise of regaining territory lost to the United States in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona if Mexico joins Germany in making war against the United States. Additionally, it suggests that the United States should invite Japan to join the conflict and mediate between Japan and Germany.
Based on the content of the telegram, it is clear that Germany's actions directly threaten the United States. The suggestion of attacking American ships and the proposal of an alliance with Mexico to regain lost territory indicate that the war is not just a distant event without threat or effect for the United States. Instead, American interests and security are directly targeted.
Therefore, the content of the telegram refutes arguments for American neutrality during World War I by demonstrating the potential threat posed to American lives and interests.