Great Moments in Stupidity: The Zimmermann Telegram

The "how's and why's" regarding America's entry into what was then known as the "Great War" (it didn't become World War I until an even greater war came along) are still being argued almost a century later. It is, however, indisputable that one event was critical in erasing the American people's reluctance to enter what was seen as a dogfight in Europe's front yard. This event was the discovery of what became known as the Zimmerman Telegram.

Exactly how this telegram was discovered is unimportant. All that is necessary to know is that it was intercepted by British Naval Intelligence, decoded, and a copy provided to the American government. In it, German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann instructs the German ambassador to Mexico to propose that Mexico enter the war on German side of the fence by invading the southwester portion of the United States. The text of that telegram reads as follows:

"On the first of February, we intend to begin unrestricted submarine warfare. In spite of this, it is our intention to endeavor to keep the United States of America neutral.

"In the event of this not succeeding, we propose an alliance on the following basis with Mexico: That we shall make war together and make peace together. We shall give generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The details of settlement are left to you.

"You are instructed to inform the President [of Mexico] of the above in the greatest confidence as soon as it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the President, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence with this plan; at the same time, offer to mediate between Japan and ourselves.

"Please call to the attention of the President that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England to make peace in a few months. "

The telegram was published in the United States on March 1, 1917 and within a week newspaper editorialists that had demanded the United States stay out of "Europe's War" were demanding Wilson's head on a silver platter if the United States didn't immediately load the entire United States Army onto ships and then head for France at full speed!

Now imagine, for a moment, that you are Arthur Zimmermann. It is March 29, 1917 and you are about to make a statement concerning the authenticity of the telegram. It is at the height of the debate, when half the world thinks that the telegram is a fake created by either Great Britain (to draw the US into the war) or the Wilson Administration (to get the US into the war regardless of what the American people want). If the Americans enter the war, Germany is doomed. If America does not enter the war, Germany can still force a truce with England and France. As Zimmermann, do you confirm or deny the contents of the telegram?

Care to guess what Arthur Zimmerman did?

In the greatest act of diplomatic stupidity since Paris absconded with Mrs. Agamemnon (Helen), not only did Zimmermann admit that the telegram wasn't a fake, he repeated Germany's desire to see Mexico and Japan commence military operations against the United States and its territorial holdings (mainly Hawaii and a good chunk of the Philippines)!

The United States declared war on April 6, 1917. Two weeks later, Mexico informed Germany that it wanted no part of the deal.

Zimmermann's wild ideas about "neutralizing" possible American intervention against Germany eventually led to the Armistice of 1918, the Versailles Treat of 1919, and set the stage for the next European war 20 years later.

The course of history would have been different had Zimmermann simply lied and said the telegram was a forgery.

Never underestimate the power of stupidity.