"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 of 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." — Zimmermann Telegram (January 1917)
Public release of this telegram in March 1917 most directly contributed to
- A
the fall of the Carranza government in Mexico
- Bcheck_circle
U.S. entry into World War I the following month
- C
American recognition of the Bolshevik regime
- D
passage of the Selective Service Act in 1916
Explanation
The Zimmermann Telegram, decrypted by the British and released to U.S. newspapers, inflamed public opinion and helped Wilson secure a declaration of war on April 6, 1917.