The Impact of the Zimmermann Telegram on America's Entry into World War I

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret communication from Germany to Mexico in 1917, proposing an alliance against the US if it entered World War I. Intercepted by the British, the telegram was decoded by Nigel de Grey of Room 40. The British faced a dilemma in revealing the telegram's contents without exposing their interception methods. They obtained a copy in Mexico City and shared it with the US, leading to public outrage and the US declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917. The US entry into the war contributed significantly to the Allied victory in November 1918.

What was the main purpose of the Zimmermann telegram?

• To invite Mexico to join Germany in attacking the US

• To inform the US of Germany's war plans

• To declare war on the United States

• To establish a trade agreement with Mexico

Why were the Germans forced to use American cables for communication?

• They wanted to improve relations with the US

• They were testing new technology

• The British had cut their telegraphic cables

• Their cables were outdated

Who was responsible for deciphering the Zimmermann telegram?

• Grace Pascoe

• President Wilson

• Nigel de Grey

• Arthur Zimmermann

Who was the German Foreign Secretary responsible for sending the telegram?

• President Wilson

• Nigel de Grey

• Grace Pascoe

• Arthur Zimmermann

What was the British concern after intercepting the telegram?

• Revealing their interception of American messages

• Being unable to decode the message

• Starting a war with Mexico

• Losing the support of the Allies

How did the British eventually share the telegram with the US?

• By acquiring a copy in Mexico City

• By sending a direct message to President Wilson

• By publishing it in British newspapers

• By sending it through a neutral country

What was the public reaction in the US after the telegram was released?

• Confusion and disbelief

• Support for Germany

• Outrage and a call for war

• Indifference

On what date did the US declare war on Germany?

• March 1, 1917

• November 11, 1918

• April 6, 1917

• May 7, 1915

What was the outcome of the US joining the Allies in World War I?

• A shift in alliances

• Immediate peace negotiations

• Victory on November 11, 1918

• A prolonged stalemate

What was the significance of the Zimmermann telegram in World War I?

• It led to the US entering the war

• It ended the war immediately

• It caused Mexico to attack the US

• It was ignored by the US