Zimmermann telegram

Quick Facts: Who was Zimmermann telegram?

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Zimmermann telegram

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Secret 1917 diplomatic proposal by Germany to Mexico for an alliance against the US.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Zimmermann telegram (or Zimmermann note or Zimmermann cable) was a secret diplomatic communication issued from the German Foreign Office on January 17, 1917, that proposed a military contract between the German Empire and Mexico if the United States entered World War I against Germany. With Germany's aid, Mexico would recover Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. The telegram was intercepted by British intelligence. Revelation of the contents enraged Americans, especially after German State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Arthur Zimmermann publicly admitted on March 3, 1917, that the telegram was genuine. It helped to generate support for the American declaration of war on Germany in April 1917.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The decryption has been described as the most significant intelligence triumph for Britain during World War I and it marked one of the earliest occasions on which a piece of signals intelligence influenced world events. The decryption was possible after the failure of the Niedermayer–Hentig Expedition to Afghanistan, when Wilhelm Wassmuss abandoned his codebook, which the Allies later recovered, and that allowed the British to decrypt the Zimmermann telegram. The message came in the form of a coded telegram dispatched by Arthur Zimmermann, the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the German Empire on January 17, 1917. The message was sent to the German ambassador to Mexico, Heinrich von Eckardt. Zimmermann sent the telegram in anticipation of the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany on February 1, which the German government knew would almost certainly lead to war with the United States.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The telegram instructed Von Eckardt that if the United States appeared certain to enter the war, he was to approach the Mexican government with a proposal for military alliance with funding from Germany. The decoded telegram was as follows: Original (German): Translated: On February 1 we intend to begin submarine warfare without restriction. In spite of this it is our intention to endeavour to keep the United States neutral. If this attempt is not successful, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and together make peace; we shall give ample financial support, and it is understood that Mexico is to reconquer her lost territory of New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The details are left to you for settlement.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1917: 1917 Milestone — The Zimmermann telegram (or Zimmermann note or Zimmermann cable) was a secret diplomatic communication issued from the German Foreign Office on January 17, 1917, that proposed a military contract between the German Empire and Mexico if the United States entered World War I against Germany.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Zimmermann telegram

True or False: “The Zimmermann telegram was the first instance where signals intelligence successfully influenced a major world war's outcome.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While highly significant, it was not the very first occasion; the text notes it marked one of the earliest occasions.

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