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

Based on this transcript, what was Germany’s underlying reason for sending the Zimmermann Telegram?

Responses

Germany knew the fastest way to win the war was to turn enemy nations into alliances.

Germany was convinced that the use of unrestricted submarine warfare would quickly win World War I.

Germany was convinced that the use of unrestricted submarine warfare would quickly win World War I.

Germany believed that the only thing that stood in the way of winning World War I was conquering the United States.

Germany believed that the only thing that stood in the way of winning World War I was conquering the United States.

Germany recognized that it was not winning the war in Europe and took steps to expand the war to North America.