January 16: Zimmermann Telegram (1917)
Prayer Idea
Pray for national security officials and analysts of all nations who are working to protect their citizens from danger.
History Note
For the first two years of World War I, the United States maintained a position of neutrality as the Allies (Britain, France, Russia, Italy, and Japan) fought against the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire).
On January 16, 1917, German foreign minister Arthur Zimmermann sent a telegram to the German ambassador in Mexico. He instructed the ambassador to approach the Mexican government about a possible alliance with Mexico if Germany went to war with the United States. Among other things, the note suggested that such a move might help Mexico win back “the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.”
The telegram was intercepted by British intelligence and made public in America on March 1. The American public was outraged. This was one of several factors that led to an American declaration of war against Germany on April 6, 1917.
Coded telegram message to the German ambassador in Mexico. Courtesy the National Archives.
Learn More
Watch a video about events leading to U.S. involvement in World War I.
Find more information about the Zimmermann Telegram and other resources about WWI at Homeschool History.
