Date Created:
Place Created: Germany
Year Created: 1917
Publisher: National Archives
Owner: National Archives
Historical Theme:
Description: The Zimmerman Telegram was a German telegram that was intercepted by the British, who then brought it to the attention of the Wilson administration. The telegram first talks about Germany implementing unrestricted submarine warfare during WWI, where German U-boats would sink any ships supplying the Entente, neutral or not. Though Germany wanted to keep the United States neutral in the conflict, they still planned on disrupting American trade with the Entente. The telegram then outlines plans for a potential alliance between Mexico and Germany in the event of America joining the Entente, with Mexico declaring war on the US in exchange for assistance and the return of territory lost in the Mexican-American war. This intercepted telegram is what ultimately brought the US into WWI, with Wilson viewing this as a direct threat to the US.
Categories of Documents:
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
Source: National Archives
Citation: Telegram from United States Ambassador Walter Page to President Woodrow Wilson Conveying a Translation of the Zimmermann Telegram; 2/24/1917; 862.20212 / 57 through 862.20212 / 311; Central Decimal Files, 1910 - 1963; General Records of the Department of State, Record Group 59; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/translation-zimmermann-telegram, July 17, 2024]