ABSTRACT
In January 1916, the German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmerman sent a secret telegram, intercepted by the United States, to the interim government of President Carranza of Mexico announcing Germany’s intent to begin “unrestricted submarine warfare” and its interest in sustaining American neutrality despite that action. But Germany also suggested that should war come with the United States, Mexico was invited to become an ally, with the understanding that Germany would provide generous financial support, and that Germany would assist Mexico “to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona,” leaving the details to Mexico. The Zimmerman telegram, and the advent of unrestricted submarine warfare accompanied by reports of American ships being sunk, persuaded President Wilson to take the United States into war. Following House and Senate approval, the President signed the Declaration of War on April 6, 1917.
